How Do You Treat Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?

Dr. David Hauswirth answers the question: 'How Do You Treat Eczema?'

ByABC News
March 25, 2008, 5:37 PM

— -- Question: How do you treat atopic dermatitis (eczema)?

Answer: Atopic dermatitis, often commonly called eczema, is treated with a variety of methods. The most important is to protect the skin and to do this we often use moisturizers.

Often atopic dermatitis or eczema is caused by allergies or contact with things that cause allergies. Avoiding these things can improve atopic dermatitis.

Itching is a common symptom and is often treated with antihistamine medications.

Often the treatment for atopic dermatitis is a topical cream or lotion. This may be a low or high potency steroid cream. It may also be a medication that blocks inflammation in the immune system.

Sometimes eczema can become infected and for this reason we will sometimes use antibiotics. For more severe cases of atopic dermatitis or eczema, we will used systemic medicines in a pill form or we'll use ultraviolet light which can significantly decrease the symptoms but requires more intensive treatment.

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