Can the Antibiotic Cephalexin Be Used to Treat Eczema? The Pros and Cons

What is Cephalexin and Can It Treat Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by red, itchy, inflamed skin. There are many ways to treat eczema, including prescription medications. One medication that is sometimes used is an antibiotic called cephalexin. But is cephalexin effective for treating eczema? And how does it work?

Understanding Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin. It often first appears in infancy or childhood but can persist into adulthood. The primary symptoms are:

• Dry, itchy skin
• Rash-like red, inflamed areas
• Cracking, oozing, or scaly patches
• Thickened, scaly skin

Eczema typically flares up periodically and then subsides. Flare triggers often include stress, sweat, soap, perfumes, dust mites, pet dander, and changes in temperature or humidity. Eczema usually affects the face, insides of elbows, backs of knees, hands, feet, and neck, but can appear anywhere.

The exact cause is unknown but believed to be an overactive immune response. Eczema is not contagious. There is no cure, but various treatments can reduce symptoms and manage flare-ups.

Treatment Options

Treatment for eczema focuses on hydrating the skin, reducing inflammation, and preventing infections. Common options include:

• Moisturizers and emollients
• Steroid creams and ointments
• Antihistamines
• Immunosuppressants
• Phototherapy

Doctors may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics if a secondary skin infection develops, most often from scratching. This is where cephalexin comes in.

What is Cephalexin?

Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by interfering with bacteria's cell wall formation, which kills the bacteria. Cephalexin fights gram-positive bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus, as well as some gram-negative bacteria.

Cephalexin is available as capsules, tablets, and in liquid form. The typical dose for adults for most types of infections is 250-500 mg every 6 hours, usually for 7-14 days. It's considered a relatively broad spectrum antibiotic.

Cephalexin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections including:

• Skin infections like cellulitis and abscesses
• Respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Bone and joint infections like osteomyelitis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Throat infections like tonsillitis and strep throat

It's sometimes prescribed prophylactically before surgery and dental procedures to prevent infections from developing.

Cephalexin for Eczema

So how does an antibiotic like cephalexin fit into eczema treatment? In some cases, eczema flare-ups can develop secondary bacterial skin infections. This is because the inflamed, cracked skin can allow bacteria to penetrate and proliferate.

Common bacteria involved in these eczema infections include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Since cephalexin targets these bacteria, it may be prescribed to treat infected eczema.

However, cephalexin only treats the secondary infection—not the underlying eczema condition itself. It will not address the irritated, inflamed skin or other eczema symptoms beyond the infection it is fighting.

Studies on Cephalexin and Eczema

There are a handful of clinical studies looking specifically at the use of cephalexin for infected eczema. The findings show:

• Cephalexin was effective at treating secondary bacterial skin infections in children with eczema in multiple studies. Improvement was seen within 1-2 weeks.
• One study found cephalexin cleared up eczema-related skin infections faster than another common antibiotic, erythromycin.
• Using antibiotics like cephalexin prophylactically in eczema patients prone to infections may help prevent flare-ups before they start in some cases.
• Bacteria can develop resistance to cephalexin over time, so it likely works best for short-term use combating eczema infections rather than long-term prophylaxis.

Overall, the research supports that cephalexin is often an effective treatment for bacterial infections complicating eczema when used for short periods. However, antibiotics alone do not treat the underlying eczema itself.

Pros and Cons of Using Cephalexin for Eczema

Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider regarding using cephalexin for eczema-related skin infections:

Pros

• Clears up secondary bacterial infections
• Provides quick improvement within 7-14 days typically
• Available in easy oral capsule or liquid forms
• Tends to have minimal side effects in most people

Cons

• Doesn't treat eczema itself, only secondary infections
• Bacteria can develop resistance when used long-term
• May cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions in some
• Requires a prescription
• Relatively expensive without insurance coverage

Talk to your dermatologist about whether trying a short-term course of cephalexin makes sense for your individual case of infected eczema. While it can provide rapid relief from infection, it won't address the underlying eczema or prevent future flare-ups on its own.

Side Effects of Cephalexin

Cephalexin is generally well tolerated, but it can cause some side effects including:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Dizziness, unsteadiness
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Tiredness, weakness
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Allergic reaction (rare)

More severe side effects are possible but very uncommon. Let your doctor know if you experience any worrisome reactions while taking cephalexin.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use caution when taking cephalexin, as its safety has not been firmly established. Those with kidney impairment may require dose adjustments as well.

Alternative Treatment Options

While cephalexin can clear up secondary bacterial skin infections caused by eczema, it doesn't treat eczema flare-ups themselves. Some alternative or complementary options for managing eczema include:

• Steroid creams/ointments - Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itching directly on the skin.
• Moisturizers - Hydrating the skin regularly helps restore protective barrier functions.
• Wet wraps - Wet fabric wraps soothe inflamed skin and deliver topical medications.
• Phototherapy - UV light applied to the skin dampens immune responses.
• Probiotics - Supplements may balance gut bacteria tied to immune functioning.
• Fish oil - Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help reduce inflammation.
• Oatmeal baths - Colloidal oatmeal relieves itchy skin irritation.

For preventing future infections, good skin care like moisturizing regularly and avoiding irritants can help minimize eczema flares. Talk to your dermatologist about the best mix of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hydrating treatments for your situation.

The Bottom Line

Cephalexin is an oral antibiotic that can effectively treat secondary bacterial skin infections sometimes occurring with eczema flare-ups. However, it does not treat the underlying eczema condition itself or prevent future flares on its own. Talk to your dermatologist to see if a short course of cephalexin makes sense for your condition when infections develop alongside your eczema symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.