$Unique_ID{BRK01129}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Treatments for Chronic Atopic Dermatitis}
$Subject{dermatitis rash atopic }
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Treatments for Chronic Atopic Dermatitis


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QUESTION:  My question may be more than you care to take on, but I am always
on the lookout for something new.  My five year old son has a bad case of
chronic atopic dermatitis, and we have made the rounds of almost all the
doctors in town.  All the treatments are somewhat effective for short periods
of time, but the itching is enough to drive him crazy.  Can you offer any
suggestions that might help?

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ANSWER:  There are a few new ideas to report that may be helpful and I am
happy to share them with you.  About 0.5 to 1 percent of the general
population suffer with this annoying skin disease that is characterized by
reddened inflamed skin, scales and crusts, and intense itching.  When in the
acute stage, the affected areas may be covered by pustules and blisters, as
well as a serous liquid.  It is easy to see how scratching may bring about
additional infections, which further complicate the symptoms and the
treatments.  But it is the persistent and intense itching that makes this rash
so hard to put up with, and for which all patients request some type of help.
It now seems clear that in the majority of cases, there is an additional
history of allergic disease.  Discovering the allergic substance through skin
testing, and eliminating it from the environment may lead to a lessening of
itching, and a reduction in the severity of the rash.  Treatments that may
help include techniques to keep the skin well hydrated, tepid water soaks or
baths, followed by medications and dressings that prevent evaporation of the
moisture.  A wet garment, such as a sock, covered by a dry one may serve for
feet, ankles and legs, while wet gauze dressings covered by Ace bandages may
serve well in other areas.  When at its acute stage, topical corticosteroids
may be prescribed by your physician, but oral medications are not generally
used.  Though there is a dramatic improvement with these oral medications, the
rash and discomfort return just as rapidly when the medication is
discontinued.  In chronic cases that do not respond well, ultraviolet light my
be a useful addition to the treatment, and can be helpful when administered
three or four times a week.  Antihistamines may also be quite effective in
reducing the intensity of itching and may reduce the irresistible urge to
scratch.  The good news is that for most, atopic dermatitis tends to improve
as the child grows older, and may disappear completely.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
