Exfoliative Dermatitis Medication

Author: Therese I McBride, DO; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP more...

Updated: Feb 25, 2010

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Medication Summary
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines
Immunosuppressives
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying
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Medication Summary

Treatment of the underlying illness is key since exfoliative dermatitis resists treatment until the basic disease is treated. Frequent tub baths with emollients are indicated to provide symptomatic relief.

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. They modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli. Also used to treat idiopathic and acquired autoimmune disorders.

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Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten)

Glucocorticoid that readily is absorbed from GI tract. Used primarily for anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

Class Summary

These agents are used to treat minor allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. They are used for relief of pruritus.

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Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Benylin)

For symptomatic relief of symptoms caused by release of histamine in allergic reactions.

May control itching by blocking effects of endogenously released histamine.

Class Summary

These agents interfere in the immune processes that promote inflammation. They are used to relieve chronic severe dermatitis.

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Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Demonstrated to cause remission in some patients. Has improved overall prognosis of exfoliative dermatitis.

Class Summary

These agents modulate inflammatory and immune responses.

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Etanercept (Enbrel)

Soluble p75 TNF receptor fusion protein (sTNFR-Ig). Inhibits TNF binding to cell surface receptors, which, in turn, decreases inflammatory and immune responses.

Has been reported to be effective.^[2]No current FDA approval/indication for the use of this drug with exfoliative dermatitis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Therese I McBride, DO Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Therese I McBride, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP Professor of Emergency Medicine, Professor of Internal Medicine, Program Director, Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Thoracic Society, Arkansas Medical Society, New York Academy of Medicine, New York Academy of Sciences, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mark Louden, MD, FACEP Assistant Medical Director, Emergency Department, Duke Raleigh Hospital

Mark Louden, MD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine and American College of Emergency Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Mark W Fourre, MD Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center; Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

References

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