An in-lab test is not necessary to determine whether someone has atopy (eczema). In order for your doctor to make a diagnosis, he or she will likely do a skin examination and evaluate your medical history. He or she may also do patch tests or other sorts of testing in order to discover illnesses related with your eczema or rule out other skin conditions.
Doctors may want to do a food allergy test on your child if you suspect that a particular meal triggered their rash.
Treatment
There is a chance that atopic dermatitis may resurface. It may take months or even years of trial and error to find a treatment that works for you. The indications and symptoms may recur even if the treatment is successful (flare). Choosing the eczema creams is most essential in this case.
In order to begin treatment as soon as possible, it is critical to have an accurate diagnosis of the issue. Regular use of moisturiser together with other self-care measures may not be enough to alleviate your symptoms. Your physician could then offer the following treatments:
Medications
Medicated lotions that help repair the skin while also relieving inflammation. In certain cases, a corticosteroid ointment or lotion may be prescribed by your physician. Put it on as directed after you’ve moisturised. Taking too much of this drug might cause a decrease in skin thickness, among other side effects.
Tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) are two more lotions that include drugs that affect the immune system. Calcineurin inhibitors are the medical term for these drugs. Those ages 2 and above may use them to help regulate their skin’s sensitivity to stimuli. Put it on as directed after you’ve moisturised. You should avoid direct sunlight when using these products.
Black box warnings highlight that some drugs may raise the risk of cancer. However, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has concluded that the risk-to-benefit ratios of topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are comparable to those of most conventional treatments for persistent eczema, and that the data do not support the use of a black box warning for these medications.
Infectious disease medications
For bacterial infections, open sores, or skin wounds that have been infected for a long time, an antibiotic cream may be prescribed by your doctor. It is possible for your doctor to recommend that you take oral antibiotics for a short period of time to treat a disease.
Inflammation-reducing medicines used orally. Oral corticosteroids, such prednisone, may be recommended to you by your doctor for more severe cases. These drugs are effective, but they must be administered for a short amount of time due to the potential for serious side effects.
A new therapy option for severe eczema that has just emerged
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an injectable monoclonal antibody called dupilumab, which is a biologic (Dupixent). In order to aid those suffering from life-threatening illnesses who are not responding well to more traditional forms of therapy, this drug is administered. For a new treatment, there is not a lot of historical data on how effective it is for patients. Studies have shown that taking it exactly as directed is completely safe. It has a steep price tag attached to it.
