Atopic Dermatitis - Part 2

Continued form part 1- Atopic Dermatitis - Part 1

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Treated?

Treatment works best when the patient, family members, and doctor work together. Treatment plans are based on:

Age

Symptoms

General health.

You need to carefully follow the treatment plan. Try to notice what is or isn’t helpful. Symptoms usually improve with the right skin care and lifestyle changes.

Atopic dermatitis treatment goals are to heal the skin and prevent flares. Your doctor will help you:

Develop a good skin care routine

Avoid things that lead to flares

Treat symptoms when they occur.

You and your family members should watch for changes in the skin to find out what treatments help the most.

Medications for atopic dermatitis include:

Skin creams or ointments that control swelling and lower allergic reactions

Corticosteroids

Antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria

Antihistamines that make people sleepy to help stop nighttime scratching

Drugs that suppress the immune system.

Other treatments include:

Light therapy

A mix of light therapy and a drug called psoralen

Skin care that helps heal the skin and keep it healthy

Protection from allergens.

Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccination Against Smallpox

People with atopic dermatitis should not get the smallpox vaccine. It may cause serious problems in people with atopic dermatitis.

What Research Is Being Done on Atopic Dermatitis?

Research is being done into what causes atopic dermatitis, and how it can be managed, treated, and prevented.

Research includes:

Genetics

Biochemical changes in skin and white blood cells

Immune factors

Light therapy

A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus

Drug research