In brief
In atopic dermatitis the skin barrier is impaired: skin loses water and lets irritants and allergens through more easily, which triggers inflammation and itch. Itch leads to scratching, and scratching damages the barrier further. Breaking that cycle is the goal of treatment.
Regular emollient use reduces the frequency of flares and the need for anti-inflammatory treatment. The rules are simple: apply generously and daily, including when the skin looks clear, and immediately after bathing onto slightly damp skin. The quantities genuinely required surprise people: an adult with widespread disease needs hundreds of grams a month. Bathing should be short, in warm rather than hot water, with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser.
Fear of steroid creams is the most common reason treatment fails. The typical sequence: a doctor prescribes a short course, the family applies it for two days, takes fright, stops, the flare returns, and the cream is then used repeatedly and haphazardly — which is precisely what raises the risk of side effects.
Dermatology societies take a different position: topical corticosteroids of appropriate potency, used as a short but complete course on active inflammation, are safe and effective. Potency is matched to the site and the age — what is prescribed for the forearms is not applied to the face or skin folds. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory options also exist for sensitive areas and for maintenance.
Individual, but typically: sweat and overheating, wool and synthetic fabrics, harsh detergents, fragrances, dry air. The UAE adds its own: constant air conditioning dries the skin, and chlorinated pool water irritates it — rinse after swimming and apply an emollient straight away. Atopic dermatitis correlates with food allergy in roughly 30% of clinical cases — less often than assumed — and eliminating foods "just in case" without confirmation is harmful, particularly in children.
If itch is disturbing sleep, flares are frequent, the usual regimen has stopped working, or there are signs of infection — weeping, crusting, pustules, fever. There is no need to simply endure it: moderate to severe disease now has systemic treatment options worth discussing.
At GMS a dermatologist treats skin disease from birth onwards: consultation AED 750. A pediatrician is involved where needed, and lab tests are taken in the same clinic.
Apply generously and daily, including when the skin looks clear, and immediately after bathing onto slightly damp skin. The quantities surprise people: an adult with widespread disease needs hundreds of grams a month. Keep baths short, in warm rather than hot water, with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser. Regular use reduces the frequency of flares.
Topical corticosteroids of appropriate potency, used as a short but complete course on active inflammation, are safe and effective. What raises the risk of side effects is haphazard use: applying for two days, taking fright, stopping, and restarting when the flare returns. Potency is matched to the site and the age.
Atopic dermatitis correlates with food allergy in roughly 30% of clinical cases — less often than assumed. Eliminating foods just in case without confirmation is harmful, particularly in children. Typical triggers are different: sweat and overheating, wool and synthetics, harsh detergents, fragrances, dry air, and in the UAE air conditioning and chlorinated pools.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.
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