Have Red And Itchy Skin? You May Have Atopic Dermatitis

If you have red and itchy skin, this can be due to many things. One of these things is atopic dermatitis. This usually affects children, but it can also affect adults. Below are some of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis disease and treatment options available for you.

Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is a rash that is red and itchy. There is no cure for this disease, and it is chronic, which means it can last a long time. That rash will go away but then flare up again periodically. Along with atopic dermatitis, you may also have hay fever or asthma.

You will see this rash in areas behind your knees, inside your elbows, and on the front and back of your neck. The rash may start out small but will get larger and larger as it progresses in many cases.

There are things that can trigger atopic dermatitis, such as stress, sweating, allergies, irritants, and dry skin. The only way to know for sure that you do have this is to see your doctor.

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

There are treatments that can help stop new outbreaks and help with itching. You should avoid using harsh soaps when you bathe or shower. Make sure you keep your skin moisturized on a regular basis. There are also anti-itch medicated ointments and creams that you can purchase over the counter. Your doctor may prescribe you an anti-itch ointment or cream that will be much stronger than what you can purchase over the counter. These creams can also help repair your skin. Corticosteroid is the main ingredient in these creams and ointments.

Your skin can sometimes become infected, and if this happens, your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic cream. You might have cracks on your skin or open sores. You may also be prescribed oral antibiotics to help treat infections. 

If you have a severe case of atopic dermatitis, you may be prescribed medication like prednisone to help control itching and outbreaks. You cannot use these drugs long term, however, as this can cause serious side effects.

Light therapy is another type of treatment and will be used if other treatments are not working for you. This is done in a doctor's office, and your skin will be exposed to natural sunlight for a certain amount of time. Artificial ultraviolet lights can also be used. This is an effective treatment option but cannot be used long term as there is an increased risk of you getting skin cancer due to the sun's rays.

Your doctor can give you much more information about atopic dermatitis and treatment options.


Share