How To Treat Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that normally begins in childhood. As one of the most common forms of eczema, the ailment is characterized by red, itchy rashes that appear most frequently on the hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. Patches of itchy bumps are also commonly observed on the backs of the knees and elbows as well as the upper chest. Patients with atopic dermatitis often experience flare-ups, and the skin may crack and develop open sores due to scratching, which can put patients at risk of infections. Doctors are generally able to diagnose this condition by performing a visual inspection of the skin, and some patients may need to have a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Atopic dermatitis is treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. The treatments outlined below are some of those most often recommended for patients under current guidelines.

Creams To Reduce Itching

Creams to reduce itching are often the first treatment for atopic dermatitis. Most patients with this condition will need to use prescription creams, and these can help mitigate the itch while also repairing the skin. Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for this purpose, and doctors decide which corticosteroid potency a patient needs based on the location of the rashes. Patients who have rashes that cover an extensive area of the skin or are located on the face or in skin folds typically receive a mild or moderately potent topical corticosteroid such as desonide 0.05 percent or hydrocortisone acetate one percent. Adults with thick lesions in localized areas such as the scalp, palms, or feet are usually prescribed the strongest topical corticosteroids, including amcinonide 0.1 percent, halcinonide 0.1 percent, and clobetasol propionate 0.05 percent. To reduce the risk of side effects, most topical corticosteroids are only used for two or three weeks at a time, and patients are advised to apply them once a day. Many patients can reduce their need for topical corticosteroids by moisturizing their skin frequently.

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Antibiotics for Infection

Patients who have open sores or cracks on the skin may need to take antibiotics for an infection, and doctors will also prescribe these medications for individuals who show signs of bacterial skin infections. If possible, doctors will start treatment with an antibiotic cream, and patients with more severe infections could need to use oral antibiotics. Amoxicillin, erythromycin, and levofloxacin are some of the oral antibiotics typically used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. To prevent antibiotic resistance, these medicines are prescribed for seven to fourteen days. Most patients experience relief from their symptoms within two to three days, though taking the entire course of antibiotics is still necessary. Patients taking amoxicillin could notice headaches, tongue swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Any unusual or worrying side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician as soon as possible, and the patient may need to switch to a different medication.

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