Other names: Allergic Dermatitis; Contact Dermatitis; Dermatitis, Allergic; Dermatitis, Contact
Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by a recurring rash associated with itch. Most people with atopic dermatitis have at least one of the following other conditions: hay fever, asthma, chronic urticaria, or food allergies.
Dermatitis is another name for skin inflammation and the word “eczema” may be used interchangeably with dermatitis; therefore, atopic dermatitis is the same as atopic eczema.
Atopic dermatitis is common among certain families and it usually starts in early childhood, although it can occur at any age. It is the most common form of eczema seen in children. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but researchers believe it may involve genetics, a defect in the skin’s barrier, the environment, and/or the immune system.
What are the Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?
Red, inflamed areas of skin that are very itchy.
Atopic dermatitis may affect the face (especially in infants), hands, feet or in the creases and folds of the skin on the arms and legs.
Affected areas may take on a scaly appearance.
General dry skin all over the body is also common.
Constant scratching may lead to thickened areas of skin or broken areas of skin which are prone to infection and may become crusted and “weepy”.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually come and go. Periods of activity are called “flares” and these are usually followed by periods of relative skin normality.
If atopic dermatitis developed in childhood, it often improves with age, although some people may experience flares now and then in adulthood.
How is Atopic Dermatitis Treated?
Having a good skincare routine every day helps in the management of atopic dermatitis.
Skin should be cleansed with a mild, soap-free cleanser that is recommended for people prone to dermatitis. Using a cleanser that is too harsh can aggravate dermatitis. Cleansing should be followed by a hypoallergenic moisturizer – again choose one recommended for atopic dermatitis.
Try to pinpoint any atopic dermatitis triggers. These are events or substances that make your dermatitis worse and may include chemical irritants, stress, hot/cold temperatures, sweating, pollen, animal dander, dust, or hormones. Try and minimize exposure to these if possible.
Use your OTC and prescription medications exactly as your doctor has prescribed. These are important to help control flares or keep them at bay.
Dress in soft breathable fabrics and avoid itchy fabrics like wool.
Drugs used to treat Atopic Dermatitis
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Atopic Dermatitis. Their efficacy
may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical,
cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
