A cortisone cream, also called topical corticosteroid, has been prescribed by your physician to relieve your eczema or your child's eczema.
Summary
Topical corticosteroids are the standard treatment for eczema and atopic dermatitis. They are medications that are used on the skin of the face and/or body as needed. Prescribing a cortisone cream for eczema is a daily or even multi-daily procedure for the dermatologist.
Cortisone creams prescribed for eczema contain a glucocorticoid, a cortisone-like substance naturally produced by the body. This cortisone has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that allow the eczema flare-up to be quickly resolved.
Topical corticosteroids are medications that are classified according to their potency and galenic form. The physician usually prescribes corticosteroid creams on eczema of the skin folds or oozing eczema, and cortisone ointments on dry, thickened eczema. Ointments are oilier than creams.
Apply cortisone to the eczema only, at the first signs of the flare-up and until it is completely resolved. One application per day is sufficient to obtain effects on atopic dermatitis lesions and quickly relieve itching.
Remember that the treatment of eczema also involves the daily application of an emollient on areas not covered by eczema plaques.
Many people are afraid to apply topical corticosteroids to their child's face or skin. They prefer to limit the use of cortisone and turn to more natural products to treat atopic dermatitis.
Eczema and cortisone have a long history of more than 70 years so we have learnt a lot in terms of efficacy and tolerance. Topical corticosteroids are known and recognized medications in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Applied according to medical prescription, they have no long-term health effects.
Yes, these are often medical devices in the form of soothing repair creams, to be applied directly to the eczema in case of a mild flare-up or over cortisone cream for a "dressing effect".
