Final answer:
Topical corticosteroid creams like those containing hydrocortisone are used to manage eczema symptoms by suppressing the body's inflammatory response, chiefly by reducing histamine secretion. While the creams provide symptomatic relief, including alleviation of itching and rashes, they do not address the underlying cause of eczema.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Topical Anti-inflammatories Treat Eczema
Topical anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroid creams, are widely used to manage the symptoms of eczema. Eczema is an allergic reaction characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin that can become swollen and, at times, may bleed. The primary ingredient in these creams, like hydrocortisone, is a synthetic analogue of the hormone cortisol, which helps to downregulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Their mode of action involves decreasing the secretion of histamine, which is a vital player in the body's inflammatory response. Historically, eczema has not had a well-established link to causative agents, such as dust mites, even though many sufferers might possess antibodies against them. Therefore, the application of hydrocortisone does not treat the root cause of eczema, but rather suppresses the immune response to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms, such as pruritus and rashes.
As part of a management strategy, moisturizing creams may also contain substances that promote skin hydration, providing relief from itching and inflammation. In more severe cases, along with topical treatments, immunosuppressant drugs may be prescribed to further control the response of the immune system.