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Treatment for atopic dermatitis aims to:
• reduce the frequency of eczema flare-ups
• limit the duration of inflammation and itchiness
• avoid the complications of dermatitis: secondary infection
• protect atopic skin
No treatment can eliminate this dermatitis entirely.
Atopic dermatitis: treatment with creams
Creams to reduce dermatitis inflammation
When a flare-up of eczema occurs, it is important to apply a cortisone cream quickly. Treatment with corticosteroids relieves the atopic inflammation.
Creams to reduce skin dryness
When the eczema flare-up has calmed down, the dry skin should also be treated with an emollient cream. This skin dryness does not go away with time. Treated it with medicated cream can alleviate the itchiness associated with dermatitis, however. Emollients help the skin to rebuild itself.
The medication is prescribed by a doctor, following a consultation, based on the intensity of the patient’s atopic dermatitis.
Eczema treatments: daily skin care
The patient (or their parents in the case of an infant) suffering from atopic eczema should look after their skin by:
• taking a quick shower or a bath with water that isn’t too hot
• use a moisturising soap to treat the skin dryness
• pat down the skin with a towel to dry the wet areas of dermatitis
• massage the skin every day with creams designed for eczema
• sleep in a cool and well-ventilated room
• wash the sheets at 60°C every week
• avoid allergens (dust mites, tobacco) and sweating, which can trigger dermatitis
• shower quickly after sweating
• wear loose and airy clothing made of cotton.
• stay out of swimming pools, as the treated water irritates eczema.
Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis do not necessarily have to stay out of the sun.
Last updated: 03/05/2018
