Diseases » Dermatology » Atopic Dermatitis » treatment

Treatment may very 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 become milder with age and often disappears after age 3 or 4. Atopic dermatitis usually responds to home treatment. Dry skin often makes the condition worse, so bathing and use of soap 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 may be indicated. Topical treatment of weeping lesions may include soothing lotions, mild soaps, or wet dressing. Mild antipruritic lotions or topical steroids 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, ingredients that lubricate or soften the skin, or other ingredients. Systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in some severe cases.

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