How to Use Medications for Allergic Dermatitis
Disease description:
Today I keep having itchy skin. After going to the hospital for an examination, the doctor diagnosed it as allergic dermatitis. May I ask how to treat allergic dermatitis with medications?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin condition. Treatment should follow the principle of individualization, taking into consideration the severity of the condition, affected body part, and patient's age. First, known allergens such as pollen and dust mites should be avoided. Regarding pharmacological treatment:
1. Topical medications: For mild to moderate dermatitis, topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone cream are the first choice for short-term use to control inflammation; antihistamine creams are effective for itching.
2. Oral antihistamines: Such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets or loratadine tablets, which inhibit histamine release and help relieve symptoms such as itching and swelling.
3. Oral corticosteroids: Such as prednisone acetate tablets or dexamethasone acetate tablets, which reduce inflammation by suppressing immune cell activity and decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators.
4. Immunomodulatory agents: For patients with recurrent episodes or corticosteroid-dependent dermatitis, calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus) or PDE4 inhibitors (e.g., apremilast) may be considered.
5. Phototherapy: Under professional guidance, narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) or UVB light therapy may be used for refractory cases.
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications should be avoided to prevent dependency. Hot water baths or washing the affected area with hot water should also be avoided as they may worsen symptoms. Please follow your doctor's instructions for specific medication use.
