The basis of treatment for atopic dermatitis is to supply dry and inflamed skin with enough moisture. Atopic dermatitis is also often called eczema. Atopic dermatitis can be hereditary and typically develops in children more than adults. Eczema can be treated at home with fragrance-free moisturizers/ointments and keeping the skin hydrated. Ointments don’t always do the trick, so eczema can sometimes be very tricky to manage.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Hydrocortisone Ointment 1%
This ointment is over-the-counter and topically mixed in petrolatum. It has glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid effects as well as anti-inflammatory activity. Use this 1% ointment 2-3 times daily.
Betamethasone Topical
Betamethasone topical is a medium-strength corticosteroid for the body. Its primary role entails decreasing inflammation by stopping the movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.
Topical
topical is a medium-strength topical corticosteroid for the body. Essentially, it decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and also reducing capillary permeability. It also directly affects the production of lymphokines. Use the 0.1% if you are an adult, but children should only use 0.025%.
Antihistamines
Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that has anxiolytic, antipruritic, and mild sedative effects. It may suppress histamine activity and is usually available in liquid form.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is used directly for allergic reactions. In addition to its use for the treatment of eczema, this is a medication that can be effective in relieving the symptoms of a host of other conditions.
Immunomodulators
(Neoral, Sandimmune)
is a common therapy that helps with the management of various skin disorders, particularly psoriasis. In short, it acts by inhibiting T-cell production of cytokines and ILs.
(Rheumatrex, Folex PFS)
is an antimetabolite, and in most cases, patients typically see results in 3-6 weeks from the start of treatment.
Tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment 0.03% or 0.1%
Tacrolimus is an immunomodulator that suppresses humoral immunity activity.
Mycophenolate (Myfortic, MMF, CellCept)
This drug inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. In essence, these block de novo guanosine nucleotide synthesis.
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