There’s no reason to endure itchy and dry and discolored skin for a lifetime. Here’s how you can discover relief.
Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory the skin and the most prevalent kind of eczema–affects more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the US by the National Eczema Association (NEA).
It’s not possible to treat atopic dermis, but it doesn’t mean that those who suffer from it will suffer from itchy, dry, and or discolored skin for the rest of their lives. There are various methods dermatologists employ to combat skin conditions, including managing symptoms and decreasing the interval between flare-ups.
In general, the treatment options for atopic dermatitis could be divided into three types: prescription medicines or targeted therapies and home remedies or lifestyle modifications. The dermatologists here explain the information you should know about each treatment for Atopic dermatitis.
Table of Contents
Treatments for atopic dermatitis
Over-the-counter or prescription (OTC), either topical or oral medication, is typically the first option to fight Atopic skin rashes.
Topic steroids
Topical corticosteroids — or steroids, for short — are considered an essential “mainstay” of treatment for Atopic dermatitis, Dendy Engelman MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says to Us. These anti-inflammatory medications–available either OTC or in a prescription form, are applied directly to the skin to help reduce redness and itchiness until symptoms go away.
Steroids can be extremely effective in fighting eczema flare-ups. However, if used for long periods without interruptions or medical supervision, they may cause adverse negative effects such as stretch marks or skin thinning, as well as oral dermatology (an itchy, abrasive rash on the inside of the area of your mouth). Most commonly, topical steroids to treat eczema need a prescription; however, OTC hydrocortisone may be employed for milder cases by the NEA.
Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are not steroidal
People commonly use drugs to treat eczema on the skin’s surface (say near the eyes or even your facial area) rather than steroids. David Kim, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, informs health. This is because skin with thinner pores absorbs greater amounts of steroids, which increases the risk of experiencing adverse side effects.
The doctors prescribe these medications to those who experience numerous side effects from topical steroids or those who have been taking steroids for more than one month and have not seen much improvement in their symptoms. These medications also help reduce inflammation and itchiness, but they’re not as potent as topical steroids. Some examples include Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus).
They effectively block the immune response, resulting in redness and itching. Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a non-steroidal, topical drug that reduces the activity of an inflammatory enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4.
Antihistamines
These are usually used with topical treatments to “control the itch.” Says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD director of Mohs dermatologic and micrographic procedures at Brown Dermatology. She says she’d suggest patients test Zyrtec or Allegra in the day and after that Benadryl at night to further ease their itching. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says, there’s little evidence supporting their widespread treatment of atopic dermatitis. They also say they aren’t recommended instead of other treatments that have been proven to work, such as steroids or other topical treatments.
JAK inhibitors
It’s a novel topical treatment option. The FDA approved Opzelura in September 2021, according to an official press release by the parent Incyte. Incyte. Opera (ruxolitinib) can be described as a JAK (Janus the kinase) inhibitor, which means that it blocks a particular process that causes immune cells to produce inflammatory proteins.
These kinds of medications have been used in the past to treat other inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. In this case, the drug is meant to help non-immunocompromised patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who haven’t responded to other treatments, according to the press release.
Immunosuppressants
The same is true for immunosuppressants. A similar name suggests that they suppress an individual’s immune system when used to treat Atopic Dermatitis, the medications aid in reducing symptoms and flare-ups.
An example of an immunosuppressant medication used to aid in treating Atopic dermatitis is the oral medication called cyclosporine, which the doctor recommends. Libby. It’s a powerful drug that is generally used for more severe resistant diseases. Other immunosuppressants are mycophenolate mofetil and Azathioprine, and azathioprine, which is usually employed for organ transplant patients and to treat some chronic illnesses but is sometimes used prescribed off-label to treat extremely severe eczema.
Oral corticosteroids
Topical steroids help fight inflammation, thereby reducing the flare-ups caused by Atopic skin rashes. Contrary to topical steroids, oral steroids work as a systemic. They affect the whole body and not only the affected region. They are very potent and are usually used to treat extreme flare-ups. They are extremely powerful, and the AAD suggests that one can use them as symptoms may recur (and get worse) after treatment has ended.
RELATED: Atopic Dermatitis Can Commonly Affect the Hands–Here’s What to Watch Out For
Treatments for atopic dermatitis
Although prescription medications are the most commonly used method to treat eczema and manage its symptoms, there are also at-home treatments that can be effective in severe or persistent cases of atopic skin dermatitis.
Biologics
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a biologic treatment approved by the FDA for patients suffering from severe eczema who do not respond to topical treatments or patients unable to use topical prescriptions, per the NEA. “It’s an injectable biologic that helps to reboot the immune system to minimize the signs and symptoms of eczema over time,” Dr. Engelman says.
Particularly, this treatment uses monoclonal antibodies that are human to combat the immune system that triggers the condition. It’s extremely efficient, according to the doctor. Engelman says, but needs treatments every two weeks and is not always provided by insurance.
Phototherapy as a Treatment for Atopic dermatitis
The NEA says that this is a different treatment often utilized by people who suffer from eczema across their bodies or aren’t responding to topical treatments. The targeted UV light is applied to the skin to slow down the inflammation of the skin and ease symptoms. It’s safe for children and adults who suffer from severe eczema. However, the AAD report may cause some adverse consequences (like sunburn or skin discoloration). Additionally, it requires several treatments every week for a couple of months, which is costly and difficult for some to manage.
Home solutions and lifestyle modifications for Atopic dermatitis
To be clear: The first place you should go for treatment for atopic dermatitis must be an expert dermatologist. The most effective and effective treatment options are prescribed medicines. A physician should do them to ensure that you do not react to the medication or ensure effective treatment.
There are ways you can take at home to lower the chance of triggering an outbreak or soothe your skin when treating the most irritating symptoms:
Apply a generous amount of moisturizer
Atopic dermatitis compromises the barrier to the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and infections. Apply a moisturizer promptly after washing your hands, advise Dr. Kim, and showering or bathing. Make sure you choose an item free of synthetic colors or fragrances. Dr. Kim says these ingredients could be irritating for skin with eczema. Be sure to look for ingredients such as ceramides that are a part of and ceramides. Libby adds because they naturally strengthen the skin barrier and keep moisture in.
Beware of triggers
They may trigger an outbreak or worsen it and differ based on the individual. Most commonly, they are made of wool, allergens from the environment like dust mites and pollen, scents, and certain food allergies, according to the NEA. Stress is another common trigger, according to the doctor Dr. Engelman.
Simple your routine of skincare
Atopic dermatitis sufferers have extremely sensitive and affected skin, and you’ll need to stay clear of the latest acid toners as well as at-home peeling masks and stick to mild, gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Avoid the harsh active ingredients as suggested by Dr. Engelman, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid and retinol. (Read your labels carefully!) If you’re looking to combat acne or the signs of aging on your skin, consult your dermatologist about coming up with a regimen your skin can take.
Try a diluted bleach bath, but be sure to take it in a controlled manner
Listen to us out on this one: Baths with bleach are a well-known treatment for children and adults who suffer from eczema over large areas of their bodies, per the AAD.
In essence, you bathe for a couple of minutes in a tub that is which is filled with water with a tiny amount of normal strong bleach (not the concentrated type). It is recommended that the amount you use depends on the age and gender of those taking bathing and the amount of water being utilized; however, the AAD suggests half 1 cup of bleach to the full bath, and for children, one teaspoon of bleach per gallon.
This treatment can lessen redness, itching, and scaling of the skin. “It not only helps treat but also increases the time between your flare-ups,” Dr. Libby recommends this treatment to her patients. Discuss with your dermatologist before deciding to ensure that you’re taking it care of.
