How to treat atopic dermatitis

Treatment aims to settle active flares, rebuild the skin barrier and reduce scratching. Because the condition tends to come and go, a clinician may give you separate instructions for everyday maintenance and flare treatment.

The skin barrier in atopic dermatitis loses moisture easily and reacts strongly to irritants. A bland, fragrance-free moisturiser helps limit water loss, while prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment calms redness, swelling and itch. Common prescription options include topical corticosteroids and non-steroid topical medicines; the appropriate product depends on the body site, age and appearance of the skin.

Scratching can deepen cracks and allow infection to develop. Darker marks may remain after inflammation settles, but treating ongoing inflammation and avoiding picking are more useful than scrubbing or bleaching irritated skin.

Use lukewarm rather than hot water, choose an unperfumed cleanser only where needed and pat the skin dry. Apply moisturiser generously while the skin is still slightly damp, and repeat whenever it feels dry. Keep fingernails smooth and favour soft, breathable clothing.

Use prescribed creams exactly on the areas and for the duration shown by your clinician. Do not substitute another person's medicine or stop early simply because the surface looks better. Note possible triggers such as fragranced products, heat, sweat or rough fabrics, but avoid restrictive diets unless a qualified clinician identifies a relevant food allergy.

Arrange a medical review when itch disrupts sleep, a flare is spreading, home care is not controlling symptoms or you are unsure how to use a prescribed product. Prompt assessment is needed for rapidly worsening pain, warmth, swelling, pus, weeping or crusting, fever, or clusters of painful blisters because these can signal infection.

Ask which moisturiser suits your skin, where each medicine belongs, how much to apply, when to step treatment down and what signs should trigger a review. If flares keep returning, ask whether contact allergy, infection or an incorrect diagnosis needs consideration.