Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Treatments & Overview

There are seven types of eczema.

Atopic Dermatitis:
The most common type of eczema, affecting more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin.

Contact Dermatitis:
Skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes in direct contact with an irritant or allergen.

Dyshidrotic Eczema:
Characterized by onset of small, itchy blisters, usually on the hands and feet.

Nummular Eczema:
Appears as round or coin-shaped itchy and scaly patches.

Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Eczema that affects areas with high oil production such as scalp, face and chest.

Stasis Dermatitis:
Occurs in people with poor circulation usually affecting the lower legs.

Neurodermatitis (Lichen Simplex Chronicus):
A skin condition caused by chronic itching and scratching. Symptoms include dry, cracked, itchy skin.

Topical Therapies 

Topical treatments include creams, ointments, foams and sprays applied directly to the skin and can improve itching and inflammation.  Some commonly prescribed topicals for eczema are:

Corticosteroids:
Anti-inflammatory topicals that reduce swelling and redness.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors:
Topical retinoids, such as tazarotene, help normalize the skin cell life cycle.

Advanced Topicals:
Medications like Zoryve and Opzelura are non-steroidal treatments that target inflammation through different mechanisms than other topicals and can be used long-term and in sensitive skin areas.

Systemic Medications

Oral systemic medications influence the entire body.

Rinvoq:
A once daily pill  (JAK1 inhibitor) for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Cibinqo:
A once daily pill  (JAK1 inhibitor) for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Biologics 

Biologics are injectable medications that target specific parts of the immune system and are used for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.  They have revolutionized the treatment of AD.

Dupixent

Adbry

Ebglyss

Lifestyle Management 

Lifestyle management plays a crucial role in controlling and reducing the frequency of flare-ups

Skin Moisturization:
Moisturizing frequently keeps the skin hydrated and can restore the skin barrier.

Avoid Triggers:
Identify and avoid environmental and food allergies.

Bathing and Skin Care Routine:
Take short, lukewarm showers and use gentle, frangrance-free soaps.

Avoid Scratching:
Keep nails short and smooth.

Stress Reduction:
Techniques such as regular exercise, yoga and meditation may alleviate stress, which can trigger flare-ups.

• https://nationaleczema.org/