How Atopic Dermatitis Is Treated

While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, several treatment options may ease the symptoms of the condition, from home remedies to procedures performed by a dermatologist. Moisturizing your skin regularly and avoiding scratching areas affected by atopic dermatitis are important parts of any treatment plan.

This article discusses the different types of treatment for atopic dermatitis. This includes home and lifestyle remedies, over-the-counter therapies, and prescription medications.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Because there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, treatments are usually focused on relieving the symptoms. Home remedies can help relieve the intense itching that often accompanies the dry rash caused by the condition.

Research has shown that regular use of a moisturizer reduces the itching and rash associated with atopic dermatitis. Using a moisturizer every day may even decrease the need for prescription topical medication. It’s best to moisturize your skin two to three times daily.

Look for a high-quality moisturizer that is free of artificial dyes and fragrances. The cream or petroleum-based moisturizer should be thick, with little water content. Lotions can be drying and are usually avoided in the care of atopic dermatitis.

Look for moisturizers with humectants, such as glycerin and urea. They attract water from the environment and the skin’s surface into deeper layers of skin. They also help the skin shed dead skin cells and appear healthier.

Other home remedies that may relieve atopic dermatitis include:

Using a humidifier
Avoiding irritants like dyes, scents, and chemicals in skin products
Testing any new skin products on a small patch of skin first
Taking short, lukewarm showers and baths, because bathing may help remove dead skin cells, irritants, and allergens from the skin, and because moisturizing within three minutes of patting your skin dry with a towel can help lock in moisture absorbed in the skin during bathing
Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothing
Avoiding very cold or very hot weather

Best Moisturizers for Eczema and Scaly Skin

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

When a moisturizer alone is not effective at relieving your dry, itchy skin, an over-the-counter (OTC) topical medication is usually the next step.

Topical corticosteroids are considered first-line treatment when moisturizing is not helpful. Topical corticosteroids are usually applied twice daily. If your atopic dermatitis is currently well controlled, your dermatologist may recommend using topical corticosteroids once to twice weekly to prevent flares.

Hydrocortisone (Cortisone 10 and Cortaid) creams and ointments are common OTC topicals used to treat atopic dermatitis.

Topical antihistamines have been used for itching in the past, but they have not proven effective and are not recommended in most cases of atopic dermatitis. In rare cases, patients with atopic dermatitis who have severe itching that prevents sleep may benefit from short-term use of a sedating antihistamine to help them sleep through these symptoms.

Prescriptions

When moisturizers and OTC corticosteroids are not effective, it’s time to see your dermatologist or allergist-immunologist for prescription treatment.

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors

Newer treatments for atopic dermatitis are JAK inhibitors. These medications selectively block pathways that cause inflammation and itching.

Opzelura (ruxolitinib) was the first JAK inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. It is a topical treatment for adults and children ages 12 years and older whose symptoms do not properly respond to topical prescription therapies.
Cibinqo (abrocitinib) is an oral JAK inhibitor for adults with refractory, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is not controlled by other medications.
Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is an oral JAK inhibitor that treats moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 12 years and older whose disease is not controlled by other medications.

Topical Steroids

Prescription topical steroids have a higher potency than OTC medications. A possible side effect of some prescription topicals is skin thinning over time. Talk with your dermatologist about the risks and the best prescription medication for you.

Understanding How Topical Steroids Work

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Common prescription topicals include pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. These medications are classified as topical calcineurin inhibitors, which help block the inflammatory response in the skin. They can be used in addition to prescription topical steroids.

This class of medication may be better for sensitive areas of the body like the eyes because they do not risk thinning the skin or causing cataracts with prolonged use.

Eczema Treatment With Protopic or Elidel

Biologic Agents

In recent years, at least one biologic agent has been approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, and others have been explored.

Biologic agents are substances made from a living organism and used for treatment. Examples include vaccines, antibodies, and interleukins. In atopic dermatitis, they can help block the inflammation that leads to itching.

Dupixent (dupilumab) is an antibody treatment that effectively treats moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children at least 6 years old. It is given as an injection every two weeks.
Adbry (tralokinumab-Idrm) is an antibody treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) for whom topical prescription treatments have not adequately worked or are not advised. It is generally given as an injection every two weeks.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Another class of drugs now used to treat atopic dermatitis is phosphodiesterase inhibitors. These medications work by blocking substances in the body that lead to inflammation.

The medication crisaborole (Eucrisa) is a common phosphodiesterase inhibitor used in treating skin conditions. Crisaborole has been proven to help prevent the redness, swelling, and itching that often accompany atopic dermatitis. This is a topical medication that is usually applied directly to the skin twice daily.

Antistaphylococcal Antibiotics

Because atopic dermatitis can cause intense itching, it’s natural to scratch your skin. However, this breakdown can lead to infection of the skin. Antibiotics may be needed to treat a bacterial skin infection.

Can I Use Wet Wrap Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis?

For more severe cases of atopic dermatitis, your dermatologist may recommend wet wrap therapy. It involves applying topical corticosteroids, followed by wet bandages and then dry bandages. This is often performed in the hospital or dermatologist’s office because it can be labor-intensive. Wet wrap therapy is believed to help your skin absorb the corticosteroids, decrease water loss, and provide a physical barrier against scratching. If you are interested in trying wet wrap therapy at home, ask your physician whether it is safe to use corticosteroids and if so, which type. Because wet wraps improve the absorption of corticosteroids, care should be used to prevent overexposure.

Summary

Atopic dermatitis symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter topical steroids. Prescription-strength corticosteroids may be used if the OTC treatments are not enough. Your dermatologist may also recommend light therapy and wet wrap therapy for more severe and persistent cases. Moisturizing your skin regularly can relieve the itching and rash caused by the condition.

A Word From Verywell

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, itching, and rash. This common condition can be very frustrating, especially when moisturizing your skin alone does not help.

Fortunately, for many people, atopic dermatitis resolves on its own over time. This is especially true for children.

If you have been experiencing dry, itchy, red skin, talk with your dermatologist to make a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for atopic dermatitis?

The best treatment for atopic dermatitis is moisturizing your skin regularly. It’s recommended that people with atopic dermatitis use a quality moisturizer two to three times per day. Other treatment options include OTC corticosteroid creams and ointments, prescription topicals, wet wrap therapy, and light therapy.

How do you cure atopic dermatitis?

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but it is possible to control the symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups.

What does atopic dermatitis look like?

Atopic dermatitis appears as a red rash with dry, itchy, inflamed skin. The skin may bleed if it’s scratched often.

How long does atopic dermatitis last?

Each case of atopic dermatitis is unique, so it is not possible to provide an exact timeline. If you have been trying home remedies and OTC medications for over two weeks without relief, see your dermatologist or allergist-immunologist.

11 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
Frazier W, Bhardwaj N. Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2020;101(10):590-598.
Cleveland Clinic. Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Berger TG, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 2. Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):116-132. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.023
National Cancer Institute. Definition of biologic agent.
Sidbury R, Davis DM, Cohen DE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 3. Management and treatment with phototherapy and systemic agents. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(2):327-349. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2014.03.030
Tameez-ud-din A, Malik I, Arshad D, Tameez-ud-din A. Dupilumab for atopic dermatitis: the silver bullet we have been searching for? Cureus. 2020;12(4):e7565. doi:10.7759/cureus.7565
MedlinePlus. Crisaborole topical.
Eichenfield LF, Call RS, Forsha DW, et al. Long-term safety of crisaborole ointment 2% in children and adults with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(4):641-649.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.06.010
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Atopic dermatitis treatment: crisaborole (Eucrisa®) ointment.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.

See Our Editorial Process

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?