Potency selection balances efficacy and adverse effects
Intermittent maintenance reduces relapse
Calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive sites
Avoid steroid atrophy risk
Useful for long-term control
Infection management prevents escalation
Treat impetigo to reduce flare persistence
Early antiviral in eczema herpeticum prevents complications
copy discharge instructions
Home plan
Moisturizer ointment
Apply at least twice daily
Apply after bathing within 3 minutes
Topical anti-inflammatory
Apply only to red itchy inflamed areas
Stop when flare controlled then use only as needed
Bathing
Short lukewarm baths or showers
Gentle fragrance-free cleanser
Trigger avoidance
Avoid fragrances and new skin products
Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps
Wear soft breathable fabrics
Itch control
Keep nails short
Cool compresses for itch
Return now or seek urgent care if
Fever or feeling very unwell
Shaking chills
Dizziness or fainting
Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Increasing pain
Warmth and tenderness spreading
Pus or large areas of yellow crusting
New boils
Red streaks
Blisters or punched-out sores
Rapid spread
Eye pain or vision changes
Mouth or eye sores
Trouble swallowing
Severe skin pain
Follow-up
Primary care in 3 to 7 days
Recheck skin response
Adjust potency plan
Dermatology referral if frequent flares
Steroid-sparing plan
Evaluation for systemic options
Guidelines and evidence sources
Clinical guidelines
American Academy of Dermatology clinical practice guidelines for atopic dermatitis topical therapies
Topical corticosteroids
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
American Academy of Dermatology clinical practice guidelines for atopic dermatitis systemic therapies
Biologics
JAK inhibitors
NICE guideline atopic eczema in under 12s and eczema management principles
Emollient first-line
Potency matching by site
Evidence and review sources
Standard dermatology references for eczema herpeticum management
Early acyclovir therapy
Ophthalmology involvement with facial disease
Evidence syntheses on wet wrap therapy for acute flares
Short-term efficacy
Infection monitoring
Evidence on staphylococcal colonization and superinfection in atopic dermatitis
Impetiginization features
Targeted antimicrobial use
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.