How do medications treat atopic dermatitis?

Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:

Doctors usually treat atopic dermatitis -- an itchy skin condition commonly called eczema -- with topical medications. These are creams, lotions, and other medicines that are applied to the skin. Some people with atopic dermatitis respond well to hydrocortisone, a mild steroid medication that helps relieve itching. Hydrocortisone is sold over the counter, though your doctor can prescribe a preparation containing a stronger dose of medicine. People with hard-to-treat atopic dermatitis may be given prescriptions for oral steroid medications.

Topical immunomodulators, which include tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are another option for treating atopic dermatitis. These medications produce changes in the body's immune system that help to control itching and other symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Doctors may also prescribe antihistamines, especially if a person is having trouble sleeping due to itching. Antibiotics are given to treat skin infections that may occur in people with atopic dermatitis.

Doctors sometimes prescribe other medications for treating this skin condition. Your doctor or dermatologist can help guide you on the best treatment options for you.

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More Related Answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz

Doctors usually treat atopic dermatitis -- an itchy skin condition commonly called eczema -- with topical medications. These are creams, lotions, and other medicines that are applied to the skin. Some people with atopic dermatitis respond well... More

Corticosteroid creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment for atopic dermatitis. They work by suppressing your immune system and reducing inflammation. If they don't seem to help, the next step is usually trying a systemic corticosteroid, which can be taken in the form of a pill or injected into your skin. If this doesn't work either, your doctor may prescribe a fairly new type of drug called an immunomodulator. These are only prescribed to patients over the age of two and work much like corticosteroids by reducing inflammation and dulling the immune system.

The intense itching of atopic dermatitis prevents many people from getting a good night's sleep. An over-the-counter antihistamine (allergy medication) that causes drowsiness might be able to help. If you develop a skin infection as a result of atopic dermatitis, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to fight it.

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Corticosteroid creams are the most commonly prescribed treatment for atopic dermatitis. They work by suppressing your immune system and reducing inflammation. If they don't seem to help, the next step is usually trying a systemic corticosteroid,... More

Healthwise answered:

Medicines for atopic dermatitis are used to help control itching and heal the rash. If you or your child has a very mild itch and rash, you may be able to control it without medicine by using home treatment and preventive measures. But if symptoms are getting worse despite home treatment, you will need to use medical treatment to prevent the itch-scratch-rash cycle from getting out of control.

Medicine choices: Topical medicines, such as creams or ointments, are applied directly to the skin. Other medicines, such as oral corticosteroids or antihistamines, are taken as pills.

Topical corticosteroids are the most common and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. They are used until the rash clears.
Calcineurin inhibitors are topical immunosuppressants - medicines that weaken your body's immune system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends caution when prescribing or using Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment because of a potential cancer risk. The FDA also stresses that these medicines only be used as directed and only after trying other treatment options. These medicines aren't approved for children younger than 2 years of age.
Antihistamines are often used to treat atopic dermatitis itch. They can also help you sleep when severe night itching is a problem. But histamines aren't always involved in atopic dermatitis itch, so these medicines may not help all people. Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
Oral corticosteroids are used in severe cases when the rash covers large areas of the body or when complications occur.
Cyclosporine or interferon is sometimes used in adults if other treatment doesn't help.
Antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medicines are used if the rash gets infected. Skin that has been broken down by scratching and inflammation can become infected.
Coal tar applied to the skin may help reduce itching. But this medicine should not be used on skin that is very irritated, because it can make your skin problem worse. Tar preparations are sometimes used to control the condition after a stronger medicine has successfully improved atopic dermatitis.