Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

A KSAT 12 news segment about Hughes Dermatology's use of the new leukotriene antagonist, Singulair, in the safe and effective treatment of baby eczema was aired November 15, 2007.

The terms eczema or dermatitis are used to describe certain kinds of inflamed skin conditions including allergic contact dermatitis and nummular dermatitis. Eczema produces red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, or thickened skin and usually itches severely. A special type is called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Eczema can occur in babies, infants, children, and adults.

Eczema Treatment

Until recently, topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay for treating eczema. Although these medications can be quite effective, their misuse can cause a number of side effects including thinning of the skin, formation of dilated blood vessels, stretch marks and infection. When applied around the eyes, topical corticosteroids can cause cataracts and glaucoma. If enough of the steroid is absorbed into the body, affected children may experience suppressed growth.

Now, a new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators or calcineurin inhibitors has been developed. These steroid-free treatments are effective in treating eczema without the side effects of corticosteroids.

Oral anti-asthma medications (leukotriene receptor antagonists) like Singulair are now often combined with the topical medications for effective and safe relief.

Another recent development, "Xolair" (omalizumab), a synthetic anti-IgE antibody, clears severe atopic dermatitis that is resistant to all other forms of therapy. Xolair is an expensive injection, administered every 2 weeks. It has a good record of safety. Xolair was originally developed for asthma. We have had positive experience with this breakthrough drug in therapy-resistant erythroderma (generalized eczema).

Happily, most children "outgrow" atopic dermatitis during adolescence.

Phototherapy (narrow-band UVB or PUVA) is helpful in severe cases of atopic dermatitis. Hughes Dermatology will utilize the appropriate treatment for your child's eczema.