People with atopic dermatitisthe most common form of eczemasuffer from very dry, itchy skin and Rashesaccording to the National Eczema Association (NEA). (1) These symptoms are generally not constant, but rather appear during a flare-up and fade into remission.
Although many children eventually recover from atopic dermatitis, there is no cure for this chronic (long-lasting) condition. (2) Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, preventing and controlling flare-ups, healing injured skin, and preventing further damage. (1)
“People with atopic dermatitis have to make a lot of extra effort in their daily lives to take care of their skin,” explains Kanwaljit K. Brar, MD, pediatric allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone in New York. “People joke about their extended skincare routines, but for people with atopic dermatitis, it’s the difference between a comfortable night or a night of scratching and losing sleep.”
In addition to strict skin care routines, conventional treatments may include: (1,2)
- Topical steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
- Oral immunosuppressants or injectable biologics
- Antibiotics for skin infections
- Phototherapy
In recent years, complementary and alternative therapies have gained popularity for many conditions, with about half of atopic dermatitis patients using them, according to the NEA. (3)
Although some of these therapies appear promising, it is important to note that most are understudied and require more research.
