10 Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition known as the common type of eczema. It can affect different areas of your body, including your hands, knees, and elbows, and it's also a condition without a cure but with many treatment options.

Treatments for atopic dermatitis can be divided into three categories: medications, targeted therapies, and home remedies. Here's what you need to know, including how to prevent the spread of AD across more body areas and when to see a healthcare provider.

1. Topical Steroids (Medication)

Topical corticosteroids—or steroids, for short—are part of many AD treatment plans. You apply these anti-inflammatory medications directly to the skin to help reduce redness and itchiness until symptoms go away. They are available in OTC or prescription forms.

Steroids can be incredibly effective against eczema flare-ups. However, long-term use can cause side effects like stretch marks, skin thinning, and bruising. Typically, topical steroids for eczema require a prescription, but you may be able to use OTC hydrocortisone.

2. Topical Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (Medication)

Dermatologists may recommend non-steroidal options—such as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (Eucrisa), or janus kinase inhibitors (Opzelura)—for eczema treatment on thinner skin. They can help reduce inflammation and itchiness. Unlike steroids, they don't lead to a thinning skin side effect.

Healthcare providers also prescribe these drugs to patients who have had lots of side effects with topical steroids or to people who have been on steroids for over a month without much improvement in symptoms. Examples include:

• Elidel (pimecrolimus)
• Eucrisa (crisaborole)
• Protopic (tacrolimus)
  

3. JAK Inhibitors (Medication)

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor medications inhibit a specific pathway that causes the body to have an inflammatory response. These drugs have been used before to treat other inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis and vitiligo.

In the case of AD, the drug is meant to help non-immunocompromised patients with moderate-to-severe AD who haven't responded to other treatments. Examples of JAK inhibitors for AD include:

• Cibinqo (abrocitinib): oral medication
• Rinvoq (upadacitinib): oral medication
• Opzelura (ruxolitinib): topical cream
  

4. Immunosuppressants (Medication)

Immunosuppressants keep the body from having a strong immune response. When used for AD, especially if it's widespread or disabling, the drugs help reduce inflammation. Common AD immunosuppressant options are:

• Azathioprine
• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate
• Mycophenolate mofetil

5. Oral Corticosteroids (Medication)

Like topical steroids, oral steroids work to calm flare-ups of AD. Unlike topicals, oral steroids are systemic, meaning they work through the entire body—not just the affected area. They are very strong and typically reserved to treat extremely severe flare-ups.

6. Biologics (Targeted Therapy)

Dupixent (dupilumab) and Adbry (tralokinumab) are FDA-approved biologic therapies for those with severe eczema that do not respond to topical prescriptions. Specifically, this treatment uses human monoclonal antibodies to work against the immune response that causes eczema. This treatment doesn't suppress the immune system and may be used by itself or with a topical steroid in some cases.

7. Phototherapy (Targeted Therapy)

People with eczema all over their bodies or who have not responded well to other AD treatments may use phototherapy, or light therapy, as part of their treatment plan. Targeted UV light is applied to the skin to help gradually decrease skin inflammation and reduce symptoms. Lamps used in phototherapy are different than those used in a tanning bed, which makes exposure safer.

Phototherapy is safe for adults and children with serious eczema but can come with some side effects like sunburn and skin discoloration. It also requires multiple treatments per week for a few months, which can be expensive and hard for people to keep up with.

8. Moisturizers (Home Remedy)

Dry and itchy skin is a telltale symptom of AD, so using eczema-friendly moisturizers can help with skin healing and itch reduction. People with AD may consider using moisturizers that are:

• Budget-friendly and ones that they like and will use
• Cream or ointment-based, instead of lotions
• Dye-, fragrance-, and perfume-free
• Free of certain preservatives thought to cause skin irritation
  

9. Diluted Bleach Bath (Home Remedy)

Bleach baths may be recommended for adults and children with eczema on large areas of their body. They can reduce bacteria on the skin that can cause skin infections and exacerbate eczema. Bleach baths entail soaking in a bathtub filled with water and a tiny amount of regular-strength bleach for a few minutes.

The amount of bleach used varies depending on the age of the person taking a bath and how much water is being used. However, the general recommendation is half a cup of bleach for a full bathtub of water or one teaspoon of bleach for each gallon of water for children. Before attempting a bleach bath, though, talk with a dermatologist to ensure that it's an appropriate treatment and you're doing it safely.

10. Skin Care Routine (Home Remedy)

People with AD have very sensitive, reactive skin, so substitute acid toners and at-home peeling masks and stick with very gentle, mild cleansers and moisturizers. Also, chemicals like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can be harsh on the skin. If you're looking to fight acne or address signs of skin aging, consult a dermatologist to come up with a routine your skin can handle.

Which Is the Best Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis?

The most effective treatments for AD are topical steroids, especially beneficial in cases of mild to moderate AD, while biologics are most effective for moderate to severe AD. However, remember that treatment plans are personalized—any combination of treatments may be helpful for one individual compared to another.

Living With and Managing Atopic Dermatitis

AD doesn't have a cure. It's usually a chronic condition, which means that you can have symptoms for a long time. For some people, AD may disappear. However, there's no way to determine whether a person will have it their entire lifetime. Still, seeing a dermatologist and determining a treatment plan can help manage AD.

A major way to manage AD beyond the treatments above is to figure out what your triggers are and avoid exposure to them. Triggers often include things that can irritate the skin, including fabrics like wool and chemicals like detergents, gasoline, and turpentine.

How To Stop Atopic Dermatitis From Spreading

Other than engaging in trigger avoidance, you can prevent flare-ups and the spread of AD by doing the following:

• Addressing stress, when possible, with relaxing activities or therapy
• Bathing or showering in lukewarm water and with small amounts of mild, unscented soaps
• Limiting situations where you may get too hot or sweaty
• Using moisturizers daily
• Wearing gloves when you have to work in wet, cold, or less humid conditions
  

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

A dermatologist can help determine if you have AD and work with you to develop a treatment plan. You'll also want to see a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Signs of infection, including fever and red or painful skin
• Symptoms that don't improve with or respond to treatment
• Worsening symptoms
• Symptoms that are negatively affecting your quality of life, such as your ability to sleep

Complications

AD may come with complications. They include:

• Allergic reactions
• Bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections
• Permanent scars
• Side effects due to long-term eczema medication use
  

A Quick Review

Several treatments exist to treat atopic dermatitis, from medications you apply to your skin to home remedies like establishing a good skincare routine. Treatment plans can combine these options to help manage your symptoms. You can also take actions to prevent flare-ups, such as avoiding triggers or keeping your skin moisturized. See a dermatologist if you experience AD or infection symptoms or if treatment isn't working.