How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry skin, itching and a red, raised rash. Clear, fluid-filled blisters may develop in severe cases. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the condition affects an estimated 15 to 20 percent of infants and young children, and it is believed to be a form of allergic reaction. However, the exact cause of the condition is not known. Stress, weather changes, harsh detergents, certain foods, skin infections and allergens may all trigger flare-ups in susceptible people. Adults with atopic dermatitis are usually less severely affected than children, but treatment may be less effective.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Moisturizing lotion
• Topical oatmeal ointments
• Over-the-counter corticosteroid cream
• Over-the-counter antihistamine
• Bandages or gauze

1. Use moisturizing lotion or cream every day to keep the skin hydrated and to reduce irritation. Moisturizing the skin also reduces itchiness for many people with atopic dermatitis. The Nemours Foundation also recommends increasing daily fluid intake and avoiding alcohol-based skin products.

2. Avoid known triggers, such as detergents, perfumes, or animal dander, to prevent atopic dermatitis flare-ups caused by allergic reactions to things in your environment or diet. Be aware of how weather changes affect your skin and take steps to reduce the amount of exposure you have to irritating weather conditions.

3. Take shorter baths or showers and avoid bathing in very hot water or using harsh soaps or beauty products. Some people may actually find relief by bathing more frequently, but most find that fewer baths improve their symptoms.

4. Control itching and scratching to prevent infection of inflamed and irritated skin areas. Itching may be relieved by the use of oatmeal baths and lotions or by using over-the-counter corticosteroid ointments or antihistamines. Cover atopic dermatitis patches with bandages or gauze to prevent scratching.

5. Use the medications prescribed by your doctor as directed. Your doctor may prescribe prescription strength topical corticosteroids or, in severe cases, you may need to take oral steroids. If a secondary skin infection develops, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

6. Ask your doctor about trying a calcineurin inhibitor if your atopical dermatitis fails to respond to other treatment methods. Calcineurin inhibitors are medications that suppress the immune system. These medications are applied topically, but they may pose serious health risks. According to the FDA, Elidel and Protopic, two commonly prescribed calcineurin inhibitors, may increase the risk of cancer in some people.

Tips & Warnings

• The American Academy of Dermatology warns that many other skin conditions can present in a way similar to atopic dermatitis. For this reason, any new rash must be evaluated by a doctor.

References

• American Academy of Family Physicians
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• American Academy of Dermatology

Resources

• The Nemours Foundation

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