Atopic dermatitis

• Individually tailored care and therapy plans: Skin is specifically supplied with moisture and special active ingredients.
• Anti-inflammatory medications and creams: relieve acute flare-ups and reduce redness and itching.
• Advice on trigger factors: Support in avoiding irritants, allergens or stressors.
• Modern therapies: from light therapy to new biologics for severe cases

Symptoms can vary greatly:

• dry, flaky skin
• reddened, inflamed eczema
• severe itching
• Tears in the skin (rhagades)
• Weeping or crusted areas

Typical areas depending on age:

For babies:

• cheeks
• scalp
• Extensor surfaces of the arms/legs

For children:

• elbows
• back of the knees
• Neck

For adults:

• hands
• Neck & décolletage
• Face
• Body folds

INFOBOX :
Itching often leads to scratching, which further intensifies the inflammation → a so-called itch-scratch vicious cycle.

Common factors that worsen eczema:

• Stress & lack of sleep
• dry air / heating
• sweat
• Wool or synthetic clothing
• Fragrances & harsh care products
• Allergens (e.g. pollen, house dust mites)
• Infections

Identifying personal triggers is crucial for long-term control.

Skin irritation or dryness may temporarily occur during drug therapies. However, with consistent therapy, proper care, and avoidance of trigger factors, the results can be stabilized in the long term.

The therapy consists of several components:

1. Basic therapy – daily care

Goal: Strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

• moisturizing creams
• fragrance-free products
• Consistent care even during symptom-free periods

2. Anti-inflammatory therapy

During acute flare-ups:

• Cortisone creams (short-term & targeted)
• Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) → particularly suitable for sensitive areas (face).

3. Systemic Therapy

In severe cases:

• Tablets for inflammation control
• Biologics (modern targeted immunotherapy)

4. Treatment of bacterial superinfections

If necessary: antibiotics locally or systemically.

Biologics (e.g., dupilumab)

• targeted blockade of specific inflammatory pathways
• very effective for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
• Sustainably less itching & eczema

Light therapy (UVB 311 nm)

• reduces inflammation
• soothes the skin
• especially effective on chronic eczema areas

INFOBOX :
Modern therapies now allow for almost complete symptom control, even in severe cases.

DOS

✔ Daily re-oiling
✔ Take a lukewarm shower
✔ Cotton instead of wool
✔ Stress reduction
✔ Immediate care after showering

Don'ts

✘ Scratching → apply more pressure
✘ Fragrances & alcohol in personal care products
✘ very hot showers
✘ aggressive peels

Is atopic dermatitis curable?
No, but very controllable.

Can stress worsen the symptoms?
Yes, stress is a common trigger.

Is cortisone dangerous?
Safe and effective when used in a targeted, time-limited manner.

Does nutrition help?
Only in cases of proven allergies; otherwise, it varies from person to person.

Is light therapy safe?
Yes, very well tolerated under dermatological supervision.

Atopic dermatitis significantly impacts daily life, but today it is highly treatable with a combination of modern medicine, targeted skincare, and individualized trigger control. A structured therapy soothes the skin, relieves itching, and sustainably improves quality of life.