Finding relief for the discomfort of atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, can be a daily challenge. This skin condition, characterized by inflammation and itching, can disrupt sleep, social activities, and various aspects of daily life.
If simple remedies like gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing don't offer relief, your healthcare provider might suggest a prescription cream for your skin. A recent study has narrowed down the most effective options for managing atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a persistent inflammatory skin disease that often affects areas like the face, hands, feet, or skin folds behind the elbows or knees. The exact cause is uncertain, with factors like genetics, the environment, and an overactive immune system contributing to inflammation and persistent itching. The notorious itch-scratch cycle worsens the rash, causing tearing, oozing, and crusting, which can be painful.
The study, evaluating over 200 trials involving more than 43,000 people with atopic dermatitis, sheds light on the effectiveness of various prescription creams and ointments. These treatments fall into five categories, including topical corticosteroids, Janus kinase inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and other topicals like antibiotics and prescription moisturizers.
The research aimed to identify medications that significantly improved patients' quality of life, reduced severity, itch, sleep disturbances, or flare-ups, caused fewer serious side effects, and were discontinued the least due to adverse effects.
The standout winners in the study were two calcineurin inhibitors, namely pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), along with moderate-potency topical corticosteroids like fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar cream 0.025%) and triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog cream/ointment 0.1%).
