Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
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What is Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, so it's often referred to simply as eczema.
It is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that causes dry, itchy, scaly patches. It often appears on the face and the head and is most common in infants or very young children in the first year of life. It is not contagious.
Symptoms may last until the teens or adulthood, but it rarely starts in adulthood.
Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families and is linked to asthma and allergies.
UR Medicine's Treatments for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Treatment choices depend on symptoms, age, and general health as well as how severe the condition is.
There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. Treatment aims to reduce itching and skin inflammation, keep the skin moist, and prevent infection.
In severe cases, medication might be prescribed, such as:
Antihistamines. These medicines, taken by mouth, can help reduce itching. Some examples include diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine. They may cause drowsiness, though some newer antihistamines don’t.
Steroid creams. Applied to the skin, these help ease inflammation, itching, and swelling. Many topical steroids are available in different strengths. But if overused, they can cause skin thinning and discoloration.
Systemic corticosteroids. These medicines are used for severe cases to ease inflammation, which can relieve itching. They are available as a pill, liquid, or shot. These steroids have serious side effects from long-term use, so they're used only for a short time to stop a flare-up.
Oral antibiotics. Scratching the affected skin can bring bacteria to the area, which can lead to infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria that cause infections.
Phototherapy. Two types are used: ultraviolet (UV) light therapy and PUVA (chemophototherapy). Light therapy uses UV light of certain wavelengths to target the immune system, stopping the responses that lead to inflammation. PUVA therapy combines medicine and phototherapy. Patients should weigh the risks and benefits of light therapy with their healthcare provider.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors. These are nonsteroidal medicines applied to the skin. They stop a part of the immune response that causes redness and itching.
Cyclosporine. This medicine is used to treat atopic dermatitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments. It works by suppressing the immune system, stopping it from overreacting, and it helps prevent flare-ups. But it has many side effects.
Methotrexate. This is another immunosuppressive medicine that can be used to manage atopic dermatitis long term. But one possible side effect is liver damage.
Barrier restoration creams. Similar to moisturizers, they help repair the skin and provide moisture.
Topical PDE4 inhibitor. This medicine blocks an enzyme that plays a role in causing inflammation. It is put on the skin, often twice a day.
Biologic medicines. Several injectable and oral medicines are now available. These medicines are expensive and need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, but they can be very effective.
What Sets Us Apart?
UR Medicine Dermatology offers a full range of dermatology services for adults and children, with the expertise to help with everything from warts to skin cancer.
Our expertise means our department can offer advanced care such as phototherapy, laser treatments, and innovative approaches like stress management to help our patients. When the services of a pathologist are needed, patients can see our on-site dermatopathologist.
And as part of an academic medical center, we’re involved in the latest research and clinical trials, where patients can be a part of the latest treatments.
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View All LocationsWe serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.
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College Town
40 Celebration Drive
Rochester, NY 14620
Red Creek (Calkins Corporate Park)
400 Red Creek Drive, Suite 200
Rochester, NY 14623
80 West Avenue, Suite 205
Brockport, NY 14420