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Topical drugs for atopic dermatitis not only help to reduce the symptoms of itching, inflammation, redness in the damaged area on the skin, but also support the recovery of the damaged skin, avoiding infection. So how should the topical medication be used?
1. Important principles in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
During the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the main goal to be achieved is to reduce skin damage, improve itch symptoms, prevent recurrence and improve the patient's quality of life. In parallel with the adherence to treatment principles, the close cooperation between the patient and the doctor plays an extremely important role. For patients with atopic dermatitis, must strictly follow the treatment regimen of the doctor and keep in mind the principles of daily living:
Absolutely do not scratch, rub the damaged skin Avoid contact with Allergic factors such as soap, chemicals, moldy objects, insects, smoke, ... Do not use foods and beverages that cause allergies such as: peanuts, seafood products,... Do not use woolen clothing.
2. Common topical medications for atopic dermatitis
Combined with the principles of daily living, the treatment of atopic dermatitis with drugs will help patients reduce uncomfortable symptoms as well as prevent recurrence. Medications that can be used in atopic dermatitis include:
2.1 Immune System Drugs (Topical) Topical immune system medications are all effective. stimulates or inhibits immune activity in the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and itching in damaged areas of the skin. Drugs that affect the immune system are divided into two main categories: steroids and non-steroids.
In which Steroids are often used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, including cortisol such as hydrocortisone 2.5%, desonide 0.05%, this type is used for young children as well as mild cases. . The usual dose is from 1 to 2 times a day, applied topically to the damaged skin, lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Note that when using steroids, patients need to use moisturizers several times a day.
For patients with moderate condition, the steroids used should be chosen with stronger activity such as: betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%; triamcinolone 0.1%; fluocinolone 0.025%. However, for more severe, acute conditions, the patient needs to use very active steroids and the duration of use lasts up to 2 weeks. After treatment with strong steroids, the patient will be replaced with less active ones until the skin area returns to normal.
2.2 Group of calcineurin inhibitors (topical form) Calcineurin inhibitors are all immunomodulatory agents, like steroids, calcineurin drugs are commonly used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Of these, pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are the two most commonly used topical ointments.
Depending on the appropriate age, the dosage is also different. For adults over 15 years old, tacrolimus is used at a concentration of 0.1%; For children or people who are intolerant to the concentration of 0.1%, use the concentration less than 0.03%, apply twice a day at the damaged skin site. Neither pimecrolimus nor tacrolimus should be used in children younger than 2 years of age. In addition, calcineurin is also approved for use in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children 3 months of age. The drug is preferred to be used in the stable disease stage with 2-3 times in 1 week to prevent recurrence
In addition, during the treatment, the patient can use some systemic drugs such as Antibiotics to prevent infection, or H1-antihistamines to reduce symptoms of itching and inflammation. Patients should also pay attention to avoid drying the skin with emollient moisturizers such as urea, polidocanol, in thick cases, salicylic acid can be used.
3. Important notes when using topical atopic dermatitis
In the process of using topical medicine for atopic dermatitis, patients need to be careful during use because the drug is like a "double-edged sword":
Absolutely only use as directed by the doctor, adhere to Medicines that affect the immune system such as steroids, although they are highly effective in patients with atopic dermatitis, but after the course of treatment, some patients use With long-term use, there are some dangerous side effects such as: vasodilation, atrophy and thinning of the skin, skin or acne, appearance of stretch marks, ... During use, patients need to comply properly. Do not adjust the dose on your own or stop taking it suddenly.For calcineurin inhibitors, although they are considered safer than steroids, they are also used as alternatives. However, during use, patients may appear some side effects such as burning on the skin, causing blocked pores. pores, even some cases after use appear skin discoloration in the areas where the medicine is applied. Topical drugs for atopic dermatitis are evaluated to be very effective in treating the disease. However, during use, patients need to pay attention to comply with the doctor's orders, use the drug in the right dose, for the right amount of time and absolutely remember the principles of daily living.
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