Atopic dermatitis is a long-term inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). It results in itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. In children, the areas on the insides of the knees and elbows are most commonly affected. In adults, the hands and feet are most commonly affected. Scratching the affected areas worsens the symptoms, and those affected have an increased risk of skin infections. Many people with atopic dermatitis develop other allergic disorders like hay fever or asthma.

The cause is unknown but, those who live in cities and dry climates are more commonly affected. Exposure to chemicals (e.g. soap) or frequent hand washing makes symptoms worse. While emotional stress may make the symptoms worse, it is not a cause.

Treatment involves avoiding things that make the condition worse (e.g. use of the soap), applying steroid creams when flares occur, and medications to help with itchiness. Things that commonly make it worse include wool clothing, soaps, perfumes, dust, drinking, and cigarette smoke. Antibiotics (either by oral pill or topical cream) may be needed if a bacterial infection develops.

○ Treatment ― OTC Drugs
Applying an OTC steroid to the affected area and taking an OTC antihistamine are effective. In most cases this is the most important. Various moisturizers can be applied. However, since atopic dermatitis is an immune problem, moisturizers alone cannot solve all problems. Washing the lesions with soap may worsen the symptoms. Most allergic diseases tend to get worse when you can't sleep or are stressed.

* OTC Antihistamine
#Cetirizine [Zytec]
#Diphenhydramine [Benadryl]
#LevoCetirizine [Xyzal]
#Fexofenadine [Allegra]
#Loratadine [Claritin]

* OTC steroid
#Hydrocortisone cream
#Hydrocortisone ointment
#Hydrocortisone lotion

* OTC moisturizer
#Eucerin
#Cetaphil