13 best creams for atopic dermatitis

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Atopic dermatitis has many synonyms: atopic eczema, neurodermatitis, children's eczema. But whatever the name, the essence remains: it is a chronic, periodically recurrent disease that usually begins in early childhood and manifests itself as inflammatory foci on the skin, itching and intolerance to certain substances. According to statistics, up to 30% of children suffer from it, and in 85% the disease manifests itself before the age of 5 years. Atopic dermatitis affects about one in ten adults among adults.

The manifestations of the disease change with age. In babies under two years old, these are usually swollen, red, weeping, crusty or scaly patches that itch a lot. In older children and adults, the main manifestation of the disease is usually pale pink lesions, the skin on which looks rough and dry, with pronounced 'wrinkles' (enhanced skin pattern). If a person cannot resist scratching – and, most often, it is the itching that causes the main inconvenience – wounds and crusts appear at the site of scratching, if an infection gets into it, purulent inflammation may begin.

General principles for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Treatment for atopic dermatitis is usually local: creams and ointments. They help to achieve remission, that is, improve the condition of the skin. But it is impossible to completely cure atopic dermatitis – unless you wait 40 years, when, according to statistics, the intensity of its manifestations usually fades away. Therefore, the disappointed reviews of some patients who find that after a while after using any remedy, the disease returned is understandable, but not worth taking into account. Treating atopic dermatitis is the same lifelong process as, say, treating hypertension or diabetes.

Moreover, the main component of the treatment of this disease is not medicinal creams or ointments, but carefully selected and regular care that maintains the normal water-lipid balance of the skin (namely, the loss of moisture and lipids makes it damaged and provokes local inflammation) and prevents exacerbation. Without proper care, the effectiveness of even the best creams for atopic dermatitis will be temporary – only for the period of use. Therefore, the first sections of our rating will not be medicinal creams and, moreover, not hormonal ointments, but products created to care for atopic skin.

Rating of the best creams for atopic dermatitis

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best cleansing creams for atopic dermatitis	1	Mustela Stelatopia Washing Cream	RUB 1,048
	2	Lipikar Syndet AP + La Roche Posay	RUB 920
	3	bathing emulsion Emolium P triactive	RUB 1,094
The best skin care creams	1	A-derma EXOMEGA Control	RUB 1,134
	2	Baby cream Tick-tock, 'Freedom'	1 334 rub.
	3	Lipid-reducing balm TOPICREM AD	RUB 39
	4	Cream-gel 'La-Cree ATODERM'	RUB 1,737
	5	Cream F-99, Realcosmetics	289 r
The best non-hormonal medications	1	Protopicus	147 RUB
	2	Elidel	870 RUB
The best hormonal creams and ointments for atopic dermatitis	1	Belosalik	193 r
	2	Kutiveit	RUB 314
	3	Triderm	784

The best cleansing creams for atopic dermatitis

It often happens that patients with atopic dermatitis rely only on medicated ointments and creams, as the main method of solving the problem, completely oblivious to skin cleansing. Meanwhile, a properly selected face wash or body wash can alleviate the condition. In case of atopic dermatitis, in no case should you use soap. Its sharply alkaline environment destroys the already fragile lipid barrier, mercilessly defatting and drying out the skin. To prevent this from happening, you need to use special cleansers that do not violate the water-lipid balance of the skin. Most often they come in the form of creams, cream gels, oils or emulsions.

Mustela Stelatopia Washing Cream

Rating: 4.9

Pharmacy French cosmetics designed for babies from birth. It is based on sunflower and avocado oils, which restore the lipid layer of the skin, vegetable glycerin for moisturizing and mild surfactants. Apply the cream to damp skin with your hand, then rinse and pat dry with a towel (do not rub!).

Some of those who used the cream complain that after it a certain film remains, which is difficult to wash off to the end. But in fact, this film is an indicator that the product performs the declared functions – it creates an occlusion that prevents moisture loss. In a tube of 200 ml. Many consumers note a very economical consumption – one push of the pump is enough to distribute the received amount of funds throughout the baby's body.

The cream does not irritate in contact with the eyes.

Advantages

• delicate cleansing,
• moisturizes well,
• does not irritate the baby's eyes,
• can be used from birth,
• economical consumption

disadvantages

• high price.

Lipikar Syndet AP + La Roche Posay

Rating: 4.5

Lipid-restoring cleansing cream-gel for face and body.

In addition to surfactants, which, in fact, cleanse the skin, it contains moisturizing ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, mannose. Nicotinamide works as an anti-inflammatory and revitalizing agent. But the manufacturer considers the main advantage of the cream-gel to be Aqua Posae Filiformis, a complex of bacterial enzymes. which improve the protective functions of the skin and contribute to the normalization of the microflora composition.

Advantages

• suitable for both adults and children,
• does not dry out or irritate the skin,
• can be used from birth.

disadvantages

• foam badly
• relatively high price.

Emulsion for bathing Emolium P triactive

Rating: 4.1

This product is designed to cleanse and restore damaged skin during an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Contains a complex of lipid components similar in composition to skin lipids. Barley pulp wax contains phytosterols, vitamins, saturated fatty acids necessary for the skin. Corn oil triglycerides contain a lot of linoleic acid, the main component of sebum. Triglycerides of caprylic and capric acids limit transepidermal water loss and protect the skin from aggressive environmental factors. It also contains macadamia, shea butter and avocado oil. Finally, liquid paraffin, although notorious as a comedogenic substance, perfectly protects the skin from moisture loss, creating on its surface the thinnest film that softens, moisturizes and smooths. Actually, this film explains the comedogenicity of paraffin oil – the outflow of sebum is disturbed. But if for oily skin this is a disaster, then for extremely dry skin, which, in fact, is characteristic of atopic dermatitis, such an occlusion is simply vital.

For bathing an adult you need 2 measuring caps (30 ml) of the emulsion, for a child – 1 measuring cap (15 ml). After bathing, which should last no more than a quarter of an hour, you need to rinse with water and get wet (just get wet, not wipe) the body with a towel.

There are 200 ml of the product in a bottle, so it is enough for 6 or 13 applications, which, given the price (about 900 rubles at the time of the rating), is very wasteful. On the other hand, as parents of sick children note, when the baby itches and sleeps badly, there is no time to save.

Advantages

• very gently cleanses without soap and surfactants;
• retains moisture,
• does not sting, accidentally getting into the eyes of a child.

disadvantages

• expensive.

The best skin care creams

Everyone probably knows today that atopic dermatitis is based on a perverse allergic reaction. Much less is said about the fact that this disease changes a special protein – phylagrin, which is 'responsible' for the connections between the cells of the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin. When the adhesion between cells is weakened, the loss of moisture through the skin increases. The hydrolipid mantle – the natural protective layer of the skin, which gives it softness, elasticity, smoothness – is violated.

People with atopic dermatitis have to take into their own hands the protection and restoration of the hydrolipid mantle – the normal balance of water and fat in the surface layers of the skin. Routine, daily care is especially important for this, for which special means are needed. They must contain emollients – special lipids that can stay in the skin, restoring its properties. In addition, treatments for people with atopic dermatitis often contain anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients.

Emollients for atopic dermatitis should be used constantly, renewing the layer as needed. That is, do not be limited to two-fold – morning and evening – applying the cream, but add it several times during the day. Whatever the manufacturers say about 'moisturizing for 24 hours' is completely normal, especially during an exacerbation, if 250-500 ml of a care product with emollients is required for a week.

Please note that skin care products with atopic dermatitis are rarely 'natural'. This often turns off opponents of 'chemistry'. But it is precisely this kind of 'unnatural' cosmetics that is as neutral as possible, because any natural plant component is a potential allergen, which means that it can provoke an exacerbation of dermatitis. By the way, that is why phytotherapy in any form is contraindicated for children and adults suffering from this disease.

Any emollients are always applied to damp skin. If it is necessary to combine care with the use of medicinal creams or ointments, emollients in the form of a cream or milk are used 15 minutes before the medication, in the form of an ointment – 15 minutes after it.

Softening cream A-derma EXOMEGA Control

Rating: 4.8

This cream, intended for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, is distinguished by the Flaxerine complex, consisting of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that restore the lipid balance of the skin and filaggrin, the very protein whose impaired synthesis causes most of the skin changes in disease. In addition, it contains B3, which activates lipid synthesis and improves skin immunity; oat sprout extract, which heals microdamages, and, of course, glycerin.

Alas, like most of this kind of products, it cannot boast of a low price – since this series of pharmacy cosmetics is produced in France.

Advantages

• contains phillagrin,
• quickly eliminates itching,
• sterile throughout the entire period of use.

disadvantages

• expensive.

Baby cream Tick-tock, 'Freedom'

Rating: 4.4

We are far from saying that a cheap domestic baby cream can compete on an equal footing with most pharmacy brands, but not everyone can afford funds worth more than 1,000 rubles. Especially considering that up to half a liter of cream may be needed for a week.

Tik-Tock cream can come in handy precisely in situations when you have to literally 'smear yourself from head to toe'. Moreover, it is for an emollient – that is, a cream containing lipids, moisturizing substances, and, most importantly, film-forming agents that prevent moisture loss – its composition is quite adequate.

Glycerin moisturizes. Lanolin and vegetable oil restore lipid content. Beta-carotene, promotes skin regeneration. Extracts of thyme, yarrow, viburnum reduce the activity of inflammation and soothe. As occlusive agents, that is, film-forming agents, emulsion and beeswax, mineral oils and silicones act.

Advantages

• extremely cheap,
• creates a film that prevents the loss of fat and moisture,
• quickly relieves itching and soothes.

disadvantages

• not.

Lipid-reducing balm TOPICREM AD

Rating: 4.0

Allantoin in the composition reduces itching and irritation. Already known to the reader omega-3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids of linseed oil and shea butter supply the skin with lipids, glycerin moisturizes, and beeswax creates a protective film. The cream does not contain dyes, fragrances, parabens.

Advantages

• paraben free.

disadvantages

• price.

Cream-gel 'La-Cree ATODERM'

Rating: 3.8

Another domestic product, not as budgetary as the previous one, but much more interesting in composition. The peculiarity of the cream is a complex of natural bioceramides. phospholipids and cholesterol – components of cell membranes and, in fact, the hydrolipid layer. Restores barrier function and retains moisture. Betaine prevents epithelial dehydration, maintains electrolyte balance, and reduces irritation and itching. Urea moisturizes and exfoliates. Peach oil helps to reduce inflammation and improve regeneration. Licorice extract reduces allergic and inflammatory manifestations. Based on the composition and most of the reviews, the cream could be at a higher position in the ranking. But he has a peculiar, very characteristic smell of licorice, which many do not like. And, more importantly, you can find stories about severe allergic reactions on review sites. This, in general, is expected for a cream that is declared as a product with a natural composition (we have already told above why natural ingredients are not good at all for atopic dermatitis), but it is not at all what one wants to face during the treatment of an allergic disease.

Advantages

• quickly relieves itching and irritation,
• moisturizes,
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• there are complaints of allergic reactions.

Cream F-99, Realcosmetics

Rating: 3.7

Quite a budget workhorse designed for very dry skin affected by atopic dermatitis. Based on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin F, milk thistle oil, restoring skin lipids; glycerin is a well-known moisturizing ingredient; and emulsion wax, which creates a protective film on the skin surface that prevents moisture loss.

Advantages

• cheap,
• actively moisturizes.

disadvantages

• unpleasant odor of the ointment base.

The best non-hormonal medications

Good, thorough and, most importantly, constant care significantly reduces the likelihood of an exacerbation. But sometimes this is not enough and there is a need for medicines. For a long time, there was no alternative to hormones for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. But relatively recently, non-hormonal creams and ointments have appeared that reduce the activity of inflammation and reduce the allergic reaction.

Protopicus

Rating: 4.7

Active ingredient: tacrolimus.

Available in the form of 0.03% cream for children over 2 years old or 0.1% for adults. Suppresses the excessive immune response that underlies the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators. The agent is applied 2 times a day to the lesions. The duration of treatment according to this scheme is up to 3 weeks. If after this the need for therapy persists. you need to either switch to a lower concentration ointment (for adults), or apply it once a day.

Protopic can also be used for prophylaxis. In this case, it is applied to places where there were active manifestations of dermatitis, twice a week.

The active substance is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore, there are no serious complications from the use of Protopic, but local irritation, rash, pain, and itching may increase. These undesirable effects usually disappear within a week. Prolonged use increases the likelihood of herpes and acne on the affected areas. Alcohol intolerance may appear – the appearance of signs of irritation on the skin after drinking alcohol.

The product enhances the photosensitivity of the skin. therefore, during its use, you can not sunbathe, go to the solarium. Be sure to wear sunscreen when going outside.

This list of side effects and warnings may seem overwhelming, especially when compared to pharmaceutical cosmetics. But Protopic is not a cosmetic product, but a prescription drug.

Advantages

• quickly reduces the manifestations of inflammation,
• able to bring into long-term remission,
• can be used to prevent exacerbations.

disadvantages

• possible side effects
• prescription.

Elidel

Rating: 4.3

Active ingredient: pimecrolimus.

Available only in a concentration of 1%, 15 and 30 g in a tube.

Like the previous remedy in our rating, it reduces the activity of immune inflammation, suppressing both the immune response and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, Elidel is not inferior to glucocorticoids – generally recognized drugs for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

The cream is applied 2 times by washing to the affected area until completely absorbed. The duration of the course is up to 6 weeks, if the symptoms have not disappeared during this time. additional examinations are needed to exclude an erroneous diagnosis.

There are no systemic (affecting the entire body) undesirable phenomena, since the active substance practically does not enter the bloodstream. Itching, burning, irritation and redness of the skin are locally possible. Over time, the likelihood of infection of the affected area increases: the occurrence of herpes simplex, folliculitis, molluscum contagiosum, purulent infections. Increases sensitivity to alcohol and ultraviolet light. Approved for use in children from 3 months.

Advantages

• effectiveness is comparable to hormonal ointments.

disadvantages

• possible side effects,
• prescription.

The best hormonal creams and ointments for atopic dermatitis

As much as patients and their doctors try to avoid the use of hormones, sometimes there are simply no alternatives. Creams, ointments, lotions with glucocorticoids are the most effective local anti-inflammatory agent. But the high efficiency of the drug is always accompanied by undesirable effects. And with prolonged uncontrolled intake of hormones, there may be:

1. skin atrophy;
2. striae;
3. telangiectasia;
4. steroid acne;
5. rosacea;
6. perioral dermatitis;
7. hypertrichosis;
8. secondary bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

In addition, the body gradually gets used to the use of the drug, and its effectiveness begins to dramatically decrease. Therefore, hormonal creams are allowed to be used no more than 4 weeks in a row, after which they can be used no more than 2 times a week.

Belosalik

Rating: 4.6

Rating: 4.6.

Active ingredient: betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid.

Possible analogs: Rederm, Akriderm, Diprosalik, Betasal.

Betamethasone dipropionate – a hormone that reduces the immune response and inflammation, salicylic acid softens the skin, enhances the depth of penetration of betamethasone, maintains optimal skin pH to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

Burning and irritation are possible with topical application. With prolonged use, the side effects described above are not excluded.

Not indicated for use in pregnant women and children under 2 years of age.

Despite the hormones in the composition, Belosalik and its analogues are available in pharmacies without a prescription. But we do not recommend to abuse this opportunity and use the medicine without consulting a doctor.

Advantages

• reduces inflammation quickly and effectively.
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• possible side effects.

Kutiveit

Rating: 4.2

Active ingredient: fluticasone propionate.

Slightly less active than the previous corticosteroid from our ranking. intended for topical use. With atopic dermatitis, like similar creams, it is used no longer than 4 weeks in a row. The list of possible undesirable effects is the same as for other means of this type.

Approved for use in children from 1 year old. Prescribing to pregnant women is allowed, but it is necessary to correlate the possible risks and the intended benefits.

Available without a prescription.

Advantages

• fast action,
• over-the-counter.

disadvantages

• possible side effects.

Triderm

Rating: 3.9

Active ingredient: betamethasone + gentamicin + clotrimazole.

Possible analogues: Akriderm, Kanizon Plus.

Combination drug that combines a topical corticosteroid with an antibiotic and antifungal agent. Unlike neighbors in the rating, which can be used only for uninfected atopic dermatitis, it is also used for the development of infectious complications, and the combination of antifungal and antimicrobial components allows you not to waste time on accurately identifying the pathogen.

On the other hand, if the disease is not complicated by infection, Triderm does not have any proven advantages over creams where hormones work 'solo'. On the other hand, side effects of an antibiotic or antifungal agent can join the possible undesirable effect of hormones: itching, peeling, blisters, local edema, urticaria.

Approved for use in children from 2 years of age. Use with caution during pregnancy.

Advantages

• can be used for atopic dermatitis complicated by infection;
• low price,
• over-the-counter.

disadvantages

• due to the complex composition, the likelihood of side effects is higher.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.