I went looking for a natural cure for eczema out of desperation with determination for both me and my son. I knew that the standard “prescriptions” were not working, but what I did not know is the dangers they presented. Might just have well been rubbing poison on skin.

A little over dramatic? Maybe not. Lets take a look at our choices when it comes to anti-itch creams?

Topical antihistamines:
These are found in the popular Caladryl Lotion and Benadryl Cream. These are also not recommended because the person using them could becoming allergic to either the topical or oral forms of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in the future.

Topical anesthetics
can be found in creams like Lanacane (benzocaine). Another no-no because it can cause contact dermatitis. These products do come in handy for dental work (or Orajel) for mouth pain, but not recommended for treating itchy skin.

Topical steroids(hydrocortisone cream)
Readily available over the counter and by far the best of the 3. When you follow the directions there are rarely any side effects. But sense every ones body chemistry is different, one person may react adversely to any one of them. Either way, the face is more prone to these side effects, like:

* Thinning of the skin
* Discoloration
* Blood vessel start showing
* Perioral dermatitis
* Acne
* Irritation, redness, burning, stinging and peeling of the skin

So along comes the topical calcineurin inhibitors like Elidel and Protopic. These medications are FDA approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and unlike the topical steroids they can be used on the face without the side effects…for those over 2 years old that is.

WHY? Because they come with a “black box” warning. This is a warning that states (from the FDA) that these products have been known to cause cancer (such as skin cancers and lymphomas)

So we have come full circle… from itchy skin to cancer. I ask you, “Does that make any sense?”

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