Managing Atopic Dermatitis in Youngsters

AD Treatments for Kids

Treating atopic dermatitis can be a big job that includes keeping skin hydrated, reducing itching and treating inflammation while also preventing or managing infections. Some of the treatments for kids with AD are:

• Topical corticosteroids — creams or ointments to help with itching and inflammation (swelling)

• Emollients (moisturizers) — lotions, gels, creams and ointments that help with dryness

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors — lotions or ointments that assistance tranquility the absolved machine and stop itching and irritation

• Topical PDE4 inhibitors — lotions and ointments that oppose an enzyme curious about irritation

• Biologics — injected medicines made from living cells that teach the immune system to target chemical messengers that cause inflammation

• Phototherapy (light therapy) — involves shining UV light onto the skin to lower the number of certain cells that trigger inflammation

• Antibiotics — medicines used to treat skin infections

• Antihistamines — don’t treat AD, but may help itchy kids sleep better

Which of these treatments is right for your child depends on many variables.

“I think the main factor is how severe their atopic dermatitis is, and the pace of the kid may also decide what therapies we’re ready to counsel,” Wright mentioned. “I also try to keep in mind parents’ resources and ability to access medications and treatments, and we have to consider what will be covered by insurance.”

Talking to providers about treatment for atopic dermatitis

With so many options for treating kids with AD, it’s important that caregivers and HCPs share as much information as possible.

For parents, this might involve an honest conversation about how AD affects their child’s daily life — physically, emotionally and socially. If AD is keeping your child (and your family) from living your best lives, a provider needs to know so they can help figure out a way to make it better.

Caregivers should also ask HCPs about the most common AD triggers (like dry air, heat, irritating fabrics, and allergens like pollen and pet dander). An HCP can also offer advice on how to track your child’s personal AD triggers and what to do about them.

Finally, if you’re consulting a new HCP, parents will want to be prepared with a list of AD treatments or remedies that have already been tried, along with some notes about how well they worked (or didn’t).

Keeping calm and connected

Caring for children with AD isn’t easy, but shifting your mindset may help your days go more smoothly. As hard as it can be to keep your cool in chaotic moments — like when you’re trying to apply ointment to a wriggling toddler — patience is key to treating your child’s AD. So is consistency, since many treatments take time (and regular application) to work.

Wright emphasized the importance of carefully following instructions and sticking to a regular, daily skincare routine. “I’m always saying the devil is in the details,” she said.

Staying in close contact with your child’s HCPs can also be helpful, particularly when it comes to sharing anything you notice about AD triggers and symptoms — or your concerns about treatments.

“If you’re nervous about using a particular thing or you’ve heard something that makes you reluctant to follow some advice I’m giving, we can talk about that,” Wright said. “I’m on your side.”

Importance of innovation in atopic dermatitis treatment

With so many kids struggling with AD, it’s no surprise that experts are always working to figure out new ways to treat this complicated condition.

“We have a number of new non-steroid topical options that can be appropriate for some situations,” Wright said. “And in more recent years, we’ve had more systemic medication options.”

As hard as it may be to watch your child suffer, you can take heart knowing that treatments are out there — it’s just a matter of finding the right one.