{"id":2417,"date":"2020-02-26T10:04:51","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T09:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atopika.org\/treatment-for-atopic-dermatitis\/"},"modified":"2020-06-22T13:08:26","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T11:08:26","slug":"treatment-for-atopic-dermatitis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.atopika.org\/en\/atopic-dermatitis\/treatment-for-atopic-dermatitis\/","title":{"rendered":"Treatment for atopic dermatitis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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When controlling and treating atopic dermatitis, applying skin-care ointments and creams to your skin is very important. With localised inflammation, your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist will prescribe you weak to moderate topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators<\/strong> in combination with antihistamines.<\/strong> When the inflammation affects large portions of your skin, we can no longer speak of localised inflammation. In this case, you will have to take systemic corticosteroids for a short period of time or you will be prescribed systemic immunomodulators or UV therapy.<\/strong> Both types of inflammation are often accompanied by secondary infections, which are treated with antibiotics, antimycotics and or antivirus drugs.<\/strong> We are currently on the brink of receiving new biological medications for atopic dermatitis, which will help ease the severest forms of the condition.<\/p>\n

Life with atopic dermatitis is extremely energy-draining. Because the currently available treatment options often don\u2019t bring the desired results in alleviating atopic dermatitis, more and more patients turn to alternative medicine.<\/strong> If you discover an alternative treatment that works for you, simply stick to it. Determined, unabated and endless search for deliverance from pain or unbearable itching is perfectly understandable. Regardless, each alternative treatment should be critically evaluated and followed carefully only when sufficient information on it has been gathered.<\/p>\n

At this point, it\u2019s important to keep in mind that a miracle cream for atopic dermatitis doesn\u2019t exist<\/strong>. At least not yet. If you are being offered a cream without proper certification that promises incredible results and contains natural ingredients, be very careful when using it. Such creams often contain potent corticosteroids the long-term use of which can have a serious impact on your health. When looking for treatment options for atopic dermatitis, stick to the following principle: if something is too good to be true, it probably is.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Skincare for atopic dermatitis patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Proper skin care is key to controlling atopic dermatitis. In milder forms of the illness, the correct skincare can get you out of topical corticosteroid and topical immunomodulatory treatment.<\/strong> The skincare solution used by atopic dermatitis patients is oil- and water-based. It\u2019s either a water-suspended-in-oil or an oil-suspended-in-water emulsion. Creams are of the later type while ointments are of the former type. The more water a cream contains, the larger the amount that needs to be applied to the skin. The water and oil solutions supply the skin with the necessary fat while preventing water evaporation. Moisturising creams without oil can only dry out the skin further. On the other hand, ointments and creams with larger quantities of oil can be irritating for the skin. If your skin is dry, you should apply proper skincare products to it at least twice a day.5<\/sup><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t use alkaline soap when washing your body but pH neutral syndets instead. If you or your child have been prescribed baths for atopic dermatitis, the bathing time should be short (from 10 to 20 minutes). Simply add the suitable mixture to the water to make your bath. During acute inflammation, baths aren\u2019t advised. After having washed your skin, wipe it gently while leaving it moist. Then, apply your skincare cream or ointment no later than three minutes after wiping (the 3-Minute Rule). Using skincare products helps bolster the skin\u2019s function as a barrier against allergens and microbes. This leads to less inflammation and reduced itching.5,13,47,49<\/sup><\/p>\n

Each person\u2019s skin with atopic dermatitis will react differently to different skincare products. What has worked for someone else may not be ideal for you or your child or may even worsen the symptoms. If no worsening of the symptoms occurs after using a skincare cream or ointment, continue using the product for at least 3 to 4 weeks, testing its efficacy and your reaction to it. It often happens that a cream which has been working well for you suddenly causes the state of your skin to deteriorate.<\/p>\n

During acute inflammation, it\u2019s advisable to use zinc ointments and wrap the affected skin in wet clothing or gauze (wet wrap therapy).\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Drug therapy for atopic dermatitis<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Topical corticosteroids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Topical corticosteroids have been used for atopic dermatitis for several decades. In Europe, topical corticosteroids are divided into 4 groups according to their potency. In the USA, there are 7 groups. According to the European criteria, only mild to moderate topical corticosteroids should be used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.<\/strong> Systemic corticosteroids should only rarely be prescribed. Topical corticosteroids are effective against inflammation and itching. They reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory peptides. The treatment duration depends on (I) the potency of the topical corticosteroid, (II) the location and extent of the inflammation and (III) the patient\u2019s age. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can lead to topical or systemic unwanted side effects, which is why their application is limited.5,6,16,34<\/sup> After applying topical corticosteroids to your skin, it\u2019s advisable to avoid excess sunlight, ultraviolet light and solarium sunbathing. Before using a topical corticosteroid, always read the instructions for use and follow them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Topical immunomodulators (calcineurin inhibitors) <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Topical immunomodulators appeared in 1990 and represent a huge advance in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Two calcineurin inhibitors are currently permitted for treating atopic dermatitis: pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.<\/strong> Both drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce itching, don\u2019t cause the atrophy of the skin and should have no systemic side effects for the patients. In Europe and the USA, the drugs are approved for use in children after the second year of age although they are prescribed to babies as well.5,6,13,16,34,35<\/sup> After the application of topical immunomodulators, it\u2019s advisable to avoid excess sunlight, ultraviolet light and solarium sunbathing.<\/p>\n