Atopic Dermatitis - Treatment Overview

Treatment Overview

Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, it can be controlled with preventive measures and medications. Treatment helps stop the rash from recurring (flares) and controls itching. You can generally bring the rash and itching under control within 3 weeks of a flare. Specific treatment depends on the type of rash you have. Generally, a combination of corticosteroid medications and moisturizers is used.

Initial and ongoing treatment

Initial and ongoing treatment for atopic dermatitis includes:

• Avoiding dry skin. This is essential in treating atopic dermatitis. Keep your or your child's skin hydrated through proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes bathing in warm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath oils, and using soap regularly only on the underarms, groin, and feet. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing. For more information, see:

  Skin care for atopic dermatitis.

• Avoiding irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or bedding.
• Avoiding possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These may include dust and dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, or soy products. Talk to your health professional first to determine whether allergens are contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information, see the topic Food Allergies.
• Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching the area. Coal tar preparations applied to the skin also may help reduce itching.

You may need medication to heal your rash and reduce itching.

• Topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone propionate) are the most common and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.⁵ They are used until the rash clears and may be used to prevent atopic dermatitis flares. Topical medications, such as creams or ointments, are applied directly to the skin.
• Calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus) are topical immunosuppressants—medicines that weaken your body's immune system. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends caution when prescribing or using Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment because of a potential cancer risk.⁶ The FDA also stresses that these medicines only be used as directed and only after trying other treatment options. Calcineurin inhibitors are not approved for children younger than 2 years of age.
• Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine) are often used to treat itching and to help you sleep when severe night itching is a problem. However, histamines are not always involved in atopic dermatitis itching and may not help all people with the condition.²
• Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications are used to treat an infected rash.

Treatment if the condition gets worse

For severe cases of atopic dermatitis or cases that do not improve with other treatment, treatment can include:

• A bandage or dressing that is wrapped around the affected skin, which covers any open sores and prevents contact with air.
• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light at a clinic or health professional's office with or without additional medication. Options include phototherapy or photochemotherapy.
• High-strength topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids. These may be used when the rash covers large areas of the body or when complications occur, such as skin infections.
• Cyclosporine or interferon, which is sometimes used in adults if other treatment is not successful.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed. A short stay in the hospital can quickly control the condition.

What To Think About

A combination of preventive measures, such as moisturizing your skin and avoiding irritants, along with medications usually works best to control atopic dermatitis. You may need to try different treatments before finding what works best for you or your child.

Atopic dermatitis sometimes improves when daily stresses are reduced. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or imagery exercises, can help relieve stress. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.

Atopic dermatitis may affect how children feel about themselves. A child may feel strange or different from other children because of the rash or restrictions in diet. The rash may make a child feel unattractive.

If you have problems with skin infections along with atopic dermatitis, your health professional might suggest soaking in a weak bleach solution.