There are many oral medications that can help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Some of them are antihistamines, oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine and interferon. Also oral anti-fungal, antibiotics and antiviral medications can be given when an atopic dermatitis out brake has become infected. When combined with creams made for atopic dermatitis these oral medications are very effective in relieving its symptoms.

There are many antihistamines on the market today. Some may cause drowsiness and are best used to control itching while sleeping, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Vistaril (hydroxyzine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) which is the least sedating. Others that do not cause drowsiness, such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine) can be used at any time. The amount of antihistamine can be altered to work with each individual sufferer and while they can not stop atopic dermatitis the can provide some relief of symptoms.

Antihistamines can be effective in treating the itch associated with atopic dermatitis because they block histamines that are causing the allergic reaction. Because all cases of atopic dermatitis can not be attributed to histamines, antihistamines may not give relief to all sufferers. A doctor should be consulted before giving children any type of antihistamines. Antihistamines that sedate have been given to children to help not scratch in their sleep and make their atopic dermatitis worse.

As with all oral medications antihistamines are not with out possible side effects. As stated before, they can cause drowsiness but also in some cases there is dry nose, mouth and throat. Also weakness, blurred vision, and stomach problems. Antihistamines should not be taken to individuals with epilepsy as they increase the risk of seizure.

Oral corticosteroids (prednisone and prednisolone) may be given when an atopic dermatitis out brake is severe and is spread over a significant portion of the body. They are given to children older than two as well as adults. Corticosteroids simulate naturally occurring steroids the body makes to decrease itching and inflammation. When given for atopic dermatitis they help resolved the lichenification (thickening) of the skin. They are usually given at first in a high dose to get the rash in check and then tapered off. They almost always have side effects such as stomach problem, loss of appetite, headaches, mood changes, frequent urination and extreme thirst. Due to the rate at which these side effects occur, corticosteroids are reserved for severe cases and often as a last resort.

Cyclosporine or interferon are used in severe adult cases and only when no other forms of treatments have been successful. Cyclosporine is an oral medication while interferon is injected under the affected areas of skin. They both work by suppressing the immune system and blocking the bodies ability to cause inflammation. They must be used with close doctor supervision due to the increased risk of infection. They can also cause kidney issues and elevated blood pressure. It is recommenced that direct sun light be avoided while using cyclosporine or interferon because the skin will be more vulnerable to skin cancer.

When a rash becomes infected additional medications may need to be given to clear it up before the actual atopic dermatitis can be treated. If it is a viral infections such as herpes simplex, it will be treated with an oral antiviral medication. In cases of bacterial infections the sufferer will be given antibiotics. Antibiotics may be used on an ongoing basis if the frequent out brakes of atopic dermatitis can be attributed to bacteria    collecting on the skin. In some cases the are fungal infections that need to be treated with anti-fungal medications. Being sure to keep rashes clean and nails clipped with cut down on instances of infection.

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