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Atopic Dermatitis Treatments

Treatment

The main goals of eczema treatment are to:

  • Heal the skin and keep it healthy
  • Stop scratching or rubbing
  • Avoid skin infection
  • Prevent flare-ups
  • Recognize and avoid precipitating allergens, if there are any
  • Learn to avoid scratching

Treatment options may vary. Your doctor may recommend more than one depending on your condition. They include:

Skin Care

  • Avoid hot or long baths or showers. Keep them less than 15 minutes.
  • Use mild, unscented bar soap or nonsoap cleanser. Use it sparingly.
  • Air-dry or gently pat dry after bathing. Apply gentle moisturizer right after.
  • Treat skin infections right away.

Medications

  • Prescription creams and ointments containing cortisone, tacrolimus, or pimecrolimus
  • Oral medications (eg, prednisone or cyclosporine )—for severe cases
  • Antibiotics applied directly to the skin or taken by mouth (only for treating infections)
  • Prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines to help prevent itching

Phototherapy

  • Treatment with ultraviolet light (by a doctor)
  • Photopheresis—for severe cases

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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