Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition that is caused by intense itching, which forms into patches of raised, red rashes. It can become a lasting condition in some people but is also found in infants, appearing on their cheeks, front of the knees, and the back of the elbows.
Mild cases of atopic dermatitis (eczema) can usually be treated at home with skin barrier repairing moisturizers that will help with itching. Take care of your skin by also avoiding anything that could further irritate the rash or other possible allergies that can worsen the rash.
More severe cases should be addressed by a doctor who can prescribe proper treatments.
Atopic Dermatitis Eczema Treatments
Severe cases may need to be treated with a bleach bath or wet wraps. A bleach bath involves adding less than half a cup of a common liquid bleach into a full bathtub of lukewarm water. It is said to be similar to soaking in chlorinated swimming pool water. Wet wraps involve wrapping the affected area with wet dressing for at least 30 minutes several times throughout the day.
Antihistamines may also be prescribed in order to help relieve the itching associated with atopic dermatitis eczema. Medications such as or could also be prescribed for adults if no other treatment seems to be working. High-strength steroids, topical or oral, may also be used on large rashes that cover large areas of the body.
Phototherapy or plus ultraviolet (UV) light therapy with psoralen may also be considered in adults with severe cases. These light therapies involve exposing the skin to UV light in order to alleviate the atopic dermatitis eczema. Several treatments of UV light therapy may be required, but it is important to check for any possible signs of skin cancer, at least once or twice a year, as this therapy can increase one’s risk of skin cancer.
Stress and anxiety caused by living with atopic dermatitis eczema may be counterproductive to your treatment, so talking to a counselor could also help a person cope with their condition. Remember to consult with your doctor if your symptoms become worse or are persistent. Please note that the treatments mentioned above may not work for everyone as every patient’s atopic dermatitis eczema experience is different.