Atopic Dermatitis

What's causing my atopic dermatitis?

We don't know exactly what causes atopic dermatitis. But both your genes and your environment are thought to play a role. And you're at higher risk if you or others in your family have a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies. Certain things in your daily life, like toiletries, household chemicals, and even the weather, can trigger your symptoms. Your doctor can help you figure out what your triggers are. They may also recommend allergy testing. Keeping a diary or app to track triggers can help, since symptoms might not show up right away after you're exposed to them.

Is my atopic dermatitis mild, moderate, or severe?

Your doctor will examine your skin to determine how serious your atopic dermatitis is. They'll take into account how much of your body is affected, which areas are involved, and how intense your symptoms are. They'll also consider how much the condition affects your life. Knowing whether your atopic dermatitis is mild, moderate, or severe will help them decide which treatments are best for you.

What treatments do you recommend and why?

You and your doctor should discuss your options before deciding on a treatment. If medication is right for you, you'll probably start with a topical (the type you apply to your skin). It's also essential to take good care of your skin, including using plenty of moisturizing creams or ointments. If these steps don't relieve your symptoms, you might try phototherapy, in which you expose your skin to the sun or artificial UV light. Or your doctor may prescribe systemic medications, which you take by pill or as a shot. There are several types of these.

How long will it take for my treatment to work?

Your doctor may be able to give you an idea about when you might start to see results from your treatment plan. But there are no guarantees. No single treatment works for everyone with atopic dermatitis. You might need to try a different medication or use more than one. Even when your treatment works well, symptoms can return from time to time.

What type of moisturizer should I use?

When you have atopic dermatitis, moisturizers help protect your skin and allow it to heal. But they're not all equally effective. For example, ointments and creams tend to work better than lotions, which contain less oil. Your doctor can suggest specific brands. They can also talk to you about when and how to apply moisturizers for best results.

Why isn't my treatment working?

Atopic dermatitis symptoms can take a toll on your emotions and your daily life. That's why you should tell your doctor if your treatment isn't doing the job. Everyone's body is unique, so people respond to medications differently. It may take some trial and error to find one that works for you. Sometimes a medication works for a while, then becomes less effective. Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting (chronic) condition, and there's no cure for it. But the right treatment can reduce how often you have flares and how bad they are.

What's the next step?

You and your doctor have several options when you don't respond well to a treatment. The first step might be to make sure you're following your treatment plan correctly and avoiding things that can trigger flare-ups. Your doctor may also check to see whether you have another condition that's adding to your symptoms. They might increase the dosage of your medication, add a second drug, or switch you to a new one. Or you might try phototherapy (treatment with UV light). If you're not already seeing a dermatologist, your doctor can refer you to one.

What can I do about side effects from my medication?

When used correctly, topical treatments for atopic dermatitis have few major side effects. You may notice pain where you apply them, or skin changes like stretch marks or thinning skin. Prescription drugs you take by mouth might upset your stomach and increase your risk of infections. They sometimes lead to more serious issues, which is why you usually take them only for short periods. With injected medications, you could have pain where you got the shot, and sometimes cold sores or pinkeye. Let your doctor know if you notice any side effects. They may be able to change your medication or your dosage.

What else can I do to relieve symptoms?

Talk to your doctor about things you can do at home to help control atopic dermatitis. These might include stress-relief techniques, since stress is known to make the conditions worse. Your doctor can tell you how to take bleach baths or, if you have severe eczema, do wet wraps on your skin. They can also give you tips on how to stop yourself from scratching, which can make rashes worse and lead to infections.

Can I join a clinical trial?

If standard treatments haven't worked for you, you may choose to participate in a clinical trial. That means you volunteer to help researchers find out how well new medications work. This might not only lead to an effective treatment for you, but it could help others with atopic dermatitis in the future. Your doctor can tell you whether you're eligible and how to find a clinical trial near you.