Quelling the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema can be a daily quest. This inflamed, itchy skin condition can interfere with sleeping, socializing, and many other activities.
If home remedies such as gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing don’t provide relief, your doctor might recommend a prescription treatment to apply to your skin. Which prescription cream is most effective? A new study boils it down to a few overall winners.
What is atopic dermatitis and the itch-scratch cycle?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The areas commonly affected include the face, hands, feet, or the skin folds of the elbows or behind the knees.
We don’t know exactly what causes atopic dermatitis. Genes, the environment, and an overactive immune system all seem to play a role in creating inflammation, which feels itchy. Scratching the itch creates more irritation and inflammation, which causes more itching.
As the itch-scratch cycle continues, the rash gets worse. The skin might tear, ooze, and crust over, which can be painful.
