Unfortunately there is no cure for atopic dermatitis but it is manageable. There are several treatment options for atopic dermatitis. The course of treatment prescribed is going to be different depending on the kind of rash and its severity. Usually a combination of treatments is used to get atopic dermatitis under control, first to stop the itching and then to clear it up. Normally an atopic dermatitis out brake can be cleared up in about 3 weeks but once again it depends on the severity.

There are four main options dermatologists can suggest for treating atopic dermatitis out brakes. What is prescribed will depend on the patient’s age and how extensive the atopic dermatitis is at the time. A more aggressive treatment may initially be prescribed to clear up a brake out and then brought back down for maintenance

Topical corticosteroids are creams and ointment used on the skin. They include hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone. They can be used to both clear up an atopic dermatitis out brake and to prevent future out brakes.

Antihistamines are used in many cases of atopic dermatitis because of they are used to stop the itching caused by the condition. Scratching an inflamed area can cause infection so antihistamine can be crucial in preventing infections associated with the condition. Although not all atopic dermatitis itching is cause by histamines so antihistamines may not be helpful for all sufferers of the condition.

Calcineurin inhibitors are topical treatments that work by weakening your body’s immune system so flare ups of atopic dermatitis from happening. Most popular are Elidel a pimecrolimus cream and Protopic at tacrolimus ointment.  Since it they do weaken your immune system they are only recommended if other forms of treatment have been unsuccessful. It should be used with caution and has not been approved for atopic dermatitis sufferers under the age of two.

If an area affected by atopic dermatitis becomes infected oral medications such as antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal medications or a combination may be prescribed to get it under control. When the atopic dermatitis is severe enough or is not being managed by other treatments, there are further options for treatments.

Exposing the effected areas to UV (ultra violent) lights in a doctor’s office is another option. There are two widely used methods of UV therapy. Basic phototherapy is when the effected areas are exposed to UVA, UVB or both lights. Phototherapy can be done with or with out topical medications.  Another common form is psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy, also know as PUVA. PUVA is the exposure of effected areas to UVA light in conjunction with the use of psoralen which makes the skin more sensitive to the UV lights.

High strength oral and topical corticosteroids can be prescribed for a short period to regain control of a severe atopic dermatitis flare up. These treatments are usually reserved for cases where the atopic dermatitis covers large areas of the body and can not be controlled with the less powerful versions.

Some times in adults more powerful immune system suppressants such as cyclosporine or interferon will be prescribed. Since suppressing a person’s immune system to this degree can be dangerous, these treatments are only done with close physician monitoring. If the out brake is severe enough a short hospital stay may be required.

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