Dermatitis treatment varies

Dermatitis treatment varies, depending on the cause. Corticosteroid creams, wet compresses and avoiding irritants are the cornerstones of most dermatitis treatment plans. To minimize side effects, such as thin skin, and to increase effectiveness, topical corticosteroids are generally used only short-term until rashes are under control.

For some types of dermatitis, nonsteroidal medications may help relieve signs and symptoms. And for all types of dermatitis, occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching.
Contact dermatitis
Treatment consists primarily of identifying the cause of the rash and then avoiding it.
Treatment options include:

Creams containing hydrocortisone
Other, stronger steroidal creams
Wet dressings applied over steroid creams
Neurodermatitis
Getting you to stop scratching and to avoid further aggravating your skin are the treatment objectives.

Treatment options include:

Covering the affected area to prevent you from scratching it
Hydrocortisone and similar lotions and creams
Wet compresses
In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications

In addition, counseling can help you learn how your emotions and behaviors can fuel — or prevent — itching and scratching.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Medicated shampoos are usually the first treatment choice.
Treatment options include:

Shampoos that contain tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid or ketoconazole as the active ingredient
Hydrocortisone creams and lotions for nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis
Nonsteroidal medications called immunomodulators

Immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), affect the immune system and have anti-inflammatory and mild antifungal properties.

Due to possible concerns about the effect of prolonged use of these medications on the immune system, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that Elidel and Protopic be used only when other treatments have failed, or if someone can't tolerate other treatments.
Stasis dermatitis
Treatment consists of correcting the condition that causes fluid to accumulate in your legs or ankles for extended periods.

Treatment options include:

Wearing elastic support hose
Having varicose vein surgery
Using wet dressings to soften the thickened yet fragile skin and to control infection
Atopic dermatitis
In addition to relieving redness and itching, treatments for this condition are aimed at healing infection-prone cracks in your skin.

Treatment options include:

Hydrocortisone-containing lotions
Wet dressings with mildly astringent properties
Immunomodulator drugs, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)

In addition, light therapy, which involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light, may be used to help prevent recurrences of atopic dermatitis.
Perioral dermatitis
In general, doctors try to avoid treating this condition with strong corticosteroids. When these potent medications are stopped, perioral dermatitis may return and even worsen.

Treatment options include:

The oral antibiotic tetracycline, often taken for several months
A mild corticosteroid cream