Suggest Treatment For Atopic Dermatitis In A Child

Posted on Sat, 20 Aug 2016

Question: My 10 month old male baby has AD as per doctors opinion. They told it will last for 3 years. What are the available treatments for the best result?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Long term treatment is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking the query

I have seen the images and to me it appears to be a case of atopic dermatitis.It is common condition during early infancy.
Cetaphil cream is a moisturising/emmolient agent and it keeps the skin smooth,well hydrated and decreases itching.
Pemecrolimus cream helps in improvement of lesion and has very less side effect even after long term use.
After treatment improvement may be seen within 7-10 days and lesions may subsided completely within 6-8 weeks.Although improvement can be seen within 6-8 weeks but there is high chances of recurrence so long term treatment is needed to avoid any reappearance of symptoms.
So I would suggest you to continue the treatment as advised by your doctor.
Please feel free to ask if you have any more query.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 minutes later)

please advice how to use cetaphil and primecrolimus? I mean the frequency per day and how long?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cetaphil and pemecrolimus twice to thrice a day

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up

Depending on the climate,short duration lukewarm bath should be given.Leave the body slightly wet after bathing.Apply cetaphil lotion on slightly wet body.The oil keeps the water on the skin and prevents evaporation to the outside environment.This maintains proper hydration and keep the skin moist.You may do it two to three times a day.
Similarly pemecrolimus can be applied twice a day after application of cetaphil lotion.
You may need to apply this pemecrolimus lotion even after the lesions heals to avoid the recurrence.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (23 hours later)

1. So cetaphil has to be applied to whole body after a XXXXXXX warm water bath and while body is a just a little wet, Am I right? And Cetaphil can be applied thrice a day?

2. And pimecrolimus has to be applied to affected area only, after the application of cetaphil, Right? So pimecolimus will be applied over the layer of cetaphil. And pimecolimus can be applied twice a day?

3. There is small cut and injury due to scratch on the genital area over this red itchy patches. So here also cetaphil has to be applied and pimecolimus just over it. Right? Will there be any problem if pimecolimus or cetaphil touch injury?

4. Evenafter lesion or injuey on the redpatches get subsided, this cetaphil and pimecolimus has to be applied? How long?

5. We bought Elidel cream 1% is that ok for pimecolimus?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Elidel cream 1 % is fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Elidel cream 1% for pemecrolimus is fine.
I have gone through the details and steps of application of both cetaphil and Elidel are OK.
I don't think that there is any harm in applying the creams over the cut area.These creams are not very irritant and most of the babies tolerate it well.
You may need to apply this for 4-6 months.Once the lesions subside (may be after 6-8 weeks)bath every time before applying the cetaphil is not necessary.Also take care regarding the bath so that the child does not get hypothermic (low temperature).

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar