The Availability and Possibility of IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

There are several topical therapies and medications for eczema and allergic dermatitis. One of them is the corticosteroids, which are strong drugs that can prevent inflammations. These drugs can be used as an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis that has reached a severe level. Aside from the application of corticosteroid as the main IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, the drug can also be applied intramuscularly.

The corticosteroids are a class of hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. They are involved in several physiologic systems such as: response to stress and immunity, metabolism of the carbohydrates, catabolism of protein, regulation of blood electrolyte levels and behavior. In patients suffering from allergic dermatitis, corticosteroids are used to regulate the inflammation. The most common corticosteroid used as treatment for allergic dermatitis and eczema is the prednisone. This type of drug has some mineralocorticoid action with additional glucocorticoid effect.

The oral administration of corticosteroid is continued after intravenous treatment for maintenance. The side effects of the treatment are usually not common during short-term therapies. However when they occur, they may produce gastrointestinal intolerance, body malaise, increase in appetite, weight gain, changes in the mood, nervousness, increased infections, derailed diabetes and impaired wound healing.

The IV treatment for allergic dermatitis can also refer to the intermittent administration of high doses of intravenous corticosteroid, which is called a pulsed intravenous corticosteroid. The treatment usually uses methylprednisolone at 250-1000 milligrams. However, other IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes an equivalent dose of dexamethasone administered on one to five consecutive days. The use of an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis aims in achieving a more rapid and effective disease control compared to the conventional doses applied orally. Through the application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, there is a reduction in the long-term maintenance of corticosteroid doses and side-effects. The correct application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes a pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone administered at 2150-1000 mg per day for two to five days.

Other Options Aside from IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

Other treatments for allergic dermatitis and eczema include the application of antihistamines, cyclosporine and retinoids. Antihistamines fall into three categories, namely the H1, H2 and H3. The H1 type is used for treating allergic dermatitis. Antihistamines are also helpful in breaking the itch-scratch cycle.

The cyclosporine is known to deal atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema fairly well. However, relapses may occur after therapy cessation. The retinoids are structural and functional analogues of vitamin A bundled with multiple effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, they are only known to be effective with disorders concerning complications of eczema to the eye.