Medication Summary
High-potency topical steroids in combination with oral antihistamines are typically used in treating the cutaneous manifestations of seabather's eruption. Systemic corticosteroids should be reserved for patients with severe rash or pronounced associated systemic symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Class Summary
These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, these agents modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli. They are effective in quickly reducing inflammation and pruritus.
Clobetasol (Temovate)
Clobetasol is a class I superpotent topical steroid; it suppresses mitosis and increases the synthesis of proteins that decrease inflammation and cause vasoconstriction. Clobetasol has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Do not use on the groin, axilla, or face.
Antihistamines
Class Summary
These agents prevent histamine response in sensory nerve endings and blood vessels. They are more effective in preventing histamine response than in reversing it. They also reduce pruritus.
Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine with a very low risk of sedation. It selectively inhibits peripheral histamine H1 receptors.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine with a low risk of sedation. It forms a complex with histamine for H1 receptor sites in the blood vessels, GI tract, and respiratory tract.
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Desloratadine is a long-acting tricyclic histamine antagonist selective for the H1 receptor. It relieves nasal congestion and the systemic effects of seasonal allergies. It is a major metabolite of loratadine, which, after ingestion, is metabolized extensively to the active metabolite 3-hydroxydesloratadine.
Antihistamine, H1 Blocker
Class Summary
Fexofenadine is a selective antihistamine used to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms (including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes) and pruritus. Fexofenadine is available alone and in a combination product
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine competes with histamine for H1 receptors in the GI tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract, reducing hypersensitivity reactions. It does not sedate. Fexofenadine is available as a 30-, 60-, or 180-mg tablet. The Allegra ODT tab formulated for disintegration in the mouth immediately following administration. Each orally disintegrating tablet contains 30 mg of fexofenadine hydrochloride. Allegra oral suspension contains 6 mg of fexofenadine hydrochloride per mL or 30 mg/5 mL.
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Seabather’s eruption. Courtesy of DermNet New Zealand (http://www.dermnetnz.org/assets/Uploads/arthropods/sea-bathers.jpg).
