Atopic dermatitis

Alternative names:

atopic eczema; dermatitis - atopic; eczema; eczema - atopic; eczema - infantile; infantile eczema; neurodermatitis

Treatment:

Consult your health care provider for diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, because it can be difficult to differentiate from other skin disorders. Treatment should be guided by the health care provider. The goal of treatment is reduction of symptoms.

Treatment may vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions--acute weeping lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry thickened lesions are each treated differently.

Infantile eczema usually becomes milder with age and often disappears after age 3 or 4. Atopic dermatitis usually responds to home treatment. Treatment is designed around the chronic nature of the disease. Anything that aggravates the symptoms should be avoided whenever possible, including any food allergens and environmental irritants such as wool and lanolin. Dry skin often makes the condition worse, so bathing and the use of soaps may be reduced. Temperature changes and stress may cause sweating and changes in the blood vessels of the skin, also aggravating the condition.

If avoidance of irritants does not reduce symptoms, treatment applied to a localized area of the skin (topical) may be indicated. Topical treatment of weeping lesions may include soothing lotions, mild soaps, or wet dressings. Mild antipruritic lotions or topical steroids (see corticosteroids-topical-low potency) may soothe less acute or healing areas, or dry scaly lesions. Chronic thickened areas may be treated with ointments or creams that contain tar compounds, topical steroids (see corticosteroids-topical-medium to very high potency), ingredients that lubricate or soften the skin, or other ingredients. Systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in some severe cases.

Expectations (prognosis):

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, but it may be controlled with treatment and avoidance of irritants.

Complications:

• secondary bacterial infections of the skin
• permanent scar formation

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if atopic dermatitis does not respond to avoidance of allergens, if symptoms worsen or treatment is ineffective, or if signs of infection (such as fever, redness, pain) occur.