Steroid Treatments
The term “steroids” evokes images of ripped muscles and thoughts of illegal drug abuse. However, steroids are a very common drug, used in many different forms and varieties. In fact, steroid-containing drugs are one of the primary means used to treat eczema.
Corticosteroids
The body is a natural producer of corticosteroids. The adrenal cortex, located on top of the kidneys, is the body’s manufacturing center for these hormones known as steroids. They have the ability to affect the immune system, along with other body systems. Because of their effect, they are synthetically produced to elevate the body’s response in certain situations.
Topical Steroids
Most doctors will prescribe a mild form of topical steroid medication to help treat eczema. Usually, this includes something like hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a weak steroid, commonly applied topically to the affected area.
Oral Steroids
The more powerful forms of steroid medication are taken orally. Usually, they are prescribed only in very severe cases of eczema. Doctors prescribe mild steroids first, and move on to the powerful forms of oral and injected steroids if those are ineffective.
Injected Steroids
While most of the prescribed forms of corticosteroids are applied topically, some are ingested. These include triamcinolone. Usually, these are prescribed for a short duration only to produce quick results in order to treat other symptoms. These powerful drugs have too many negative side effects to make them valuable for long-term use.
Risks of Steroids
Steroids are not without side effects. The most common side effect of steroid treatment is a weakening and fragility of the skin. The absorption of topically applied steroids also causes negative results on the body’s adrenal gland and other systems. Contact with the eye can result in severe eye damage, including cataracts.