Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis requires visiting a doctor who may refer a patient to a dermatologist. Currently there is no single test or system to diagnose the disease. Every patient experiences a unique combination of symptoms that may vary over time. The most valuable diagnostic tool is a thorough medical history and skin examination. Occasionally, it may be necessary to do a biopsy of the skin or patch testing to see if the skin's immune system overreacts to certain chemicals, preservatives or skin creams.
Treatment involves a partnership among the patient, family, caregivers and doctor. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and are based on age, severity, symptoms and general health. The dermatologist has three main goals with all patients: heal the skin, prevent and minimize future attacks and treat them properly when they do occur.
Healing the skin and keeping it healthy are imperative to both preventing further damage and enhancing a patient's quality of life. A daily skin routine is critical to minimizing exacerbations. It should include:
If flares occur, doctors consider several methods dependent on the age of the patient and the severity of symptoms. An overview of methods include:
Scientists are focusing on identifying new treatments for atopic dermatitis including:
New treatment options are on the horizon for the first time in more than 40 years. A new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators, or TIMs, show promise and will bring a unique, steroid-free treatment option to doctors, and hope for improved treatment satisfaction. Two TIMs are in development-tacrolimus and ascomycin-and are currently under consideration by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tacrolimus ointment is likely to be the first TIM introduced in the United States for atopic dermatitis.
Phase III clinical trials involving more than 1,000 children and adults with eczema demonstrated that tacrolimus ointment improved or completely cleared eczema with a lower incidence of side effects than topical steroids in over 80 percent of the participants. TIMs work differently than steroids to relieve the itching, redness and pain of eczema. The are steroid-free and can be applied to all areas of the body including the face and the neck. The introduction of TIMs will help fill the current therapeutic void for physicians and their patients.
Source:
American Academy of Dermatology, July 2000
Last reviewed July 2000 by EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff
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.
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