An overview of topical treatment for atopic eczema

Abstract

Atopic eczema is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterised by dry, itchy skin and a typical distribution on the elbows and knees in younger children, and the cubital and popliteal fossae in older children and adults. Treatment modalities include emollients, topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. This article provides a brief overview of topical treatments for atopic eczema.

An approach to mild to moderate atopic eczema

“…Itching is a chief symptom and can be very troublesome. 1 It is important to determine the severity of atopic dermatitis to evaluate disease improvement during therapy. In general, mild atopic dermatitis causes minimal pruritus and sleep disturbance and reveals barely noticeable or minor findings on skin examination (Figure 1).…”

“…1 Clinically, it affects the entire body of infants, the extensor surfaces of limbs in young children, and the flexor aspects of limbs in older children and adults. 1 Treatment depends on severity of the disease.…”

“…They may even protect against inflammation that is provoked by irritants. 1 They should be applied regularly, at least twice during the day, and should also be applied after swimming or bathing. 6 Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate eczema.…”

Common scalp disorders in general practice

“…9 In the majority of patients, it often manifests in early childhood. About 50% of patients are affected in the first year of life, and a further 15% in the first five years of life.…”

“…Clinical features include erythema, oedema, vesiculation, crusting, dryness, scaling, excoriations and lichenification. 9 In patients under six months of age, the face and scalp are the most commonly affected. Infants may present with yellow crusts on the scalp, called cradle cap.…”