Eczema: Risks of Taking Over the Counter Eczema Treatments

Unfortunately, common over the counter and even some prescription medications may cause side effects that make it difficult, if not impossible, to take them on a daily basis.

For example, topical steroids can thin your skin and weaken its ability to defend itself from infections and bacteria.

You should understand that many prescription and over the counter medications can be more harmful than good to your health, especially taken over an extended period of time.

Many people that use over the counter eczema treatments often find that they get minimal relief from these types of products. This is because many of these OTC eczema treatments only aim to temporarily reduce the symptoms of eczema and not address the underlying causes.

Another problem with OTC eczema treatments is the higher cost compared to natural home remedies or herbal remedies.

You may want to consider some effective and natural home remedies. Herbal remedies are safer and more natural than over the counter eczema treatments. Some natural home remedies address the root causes of eczema and over time can greatly reduce or eliminate the outbreaks.

Eczema: Over the Counter Treatments for Eczema You Should Know About

There are many over the counter eczema treatments available and as you might expect, different OTC eczema treatments can work for different people. Over the counter eczema treatments can help to reduce common symptoms of eczema which can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable.

While these are over the counter treatments, it is still recommended that you consult with a doctor to ensure that it is safe for you.  Also beware that there may be some risks of taking over the counter eczema treatments.

Perhaps the most effective over the counter eczema treatment is ointments containing herbal ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel or vitamin E.



Another over the counter eczema treatment which you may consider using is steroidal creams such as hydrocortisone or desonide for more mild cases. Hydrocortisone 1% and Pramoxine 1% (Prax Lotion) are topical steroids available over the counter and can be used on the patches and scales of hand eczema.

A product known as Skin-E-Dip enjoys a lot of popularity as an over the counter eczema treatment. Skin-E-Dip is believed by many to be one of the best over the counter eczema treatments available.

Over the counter products for mild cases of eczema often contain topical hydrocortisone (Cortaid®, Cortizone®) and some are mild enough to use on the face.

If the OTC creams don’t work quickly, it is also possible to get a prescription cream with more serious steroids to treat the eczema. 

If you intend to use over the counter eczema treatment with other types of medications, then it is best to consult with your doctor.

Lastly, you may want to consider natural home remedies for your eczema if you find that over the counter treatments or prescription medication are too expensive, don't provide long-term relief, or have harmful side effects.