Sophie is suffering from atopic dermatitis.

Case study | 29 Mar 2024

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common, non-contagious, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. The word "atopy" means "tendency to react allergically". The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Several factors play a role, such as a genetic predisposition, and the influence of allergic and non-allergic factors from the environment. In people with atopic eczema, the composition of the top layer of the skin may be different, reducing protection against dehydration and against the penetration of various substances or bacteria. Due to this impaired barrier function, the skin does not retain enough moisture, resulting in dry skin. Dry skin is characteristic of atopic eczema and is considered a major causative factor.

Sophie is suffering from a severe skin itch

Five years old, Sophie is a brave girl. At night she often wakes up because of the itching on her face and on her arms and legs. Every morning her mother would change the sheets because of the blood and moisture stains, caused by the frequent scratching. An eczema skin that is not treated properly is harmful to a child. “I am ashamed of my eczema spots and sometimes I am teased about them at school. This makes me feel uncomfortable. The itching makes it hard to sleep and I can’t concentrate at school.” Sophie and her parents were desperate for some relief and some sleep.

The challenge

Sophie had been treated with corticosteroids before, but her mother didn’t dare use them anymore. Instead, to nourish her daughter’s dehydrated skin, she bought a generic cosmetic product for the maintenance phase, when Sophie had no rash. “I do not like the application procedure. It just doesn’t feel right.”

The solution

Her doctor helped the parents and Sophie out, by compounding Fagron’s unique trademarked Fagron Advanced Derma medications. Dr. Nelson prescribed hydrocortisone acetate 1% and dexpanthenol 5% in Versatile™ Rich to treat the rash and itching during the exacerbation phase. He also explained the safety aspects of hydrocortisone. For the maintenance phase, the physician prescribed Versatile™ Rich, which proved to be a very good choice. “My skin condition improved dramatically, and me and my parents were finally able to get a good night’s sleep.”

Compounding

  • Hydrocortisone acetate 1% and dexpanthenol 5% in Versatile™ Rich

Other Fagron stories

Eva is spitting up and crying after feeding.

Read more

Robert is suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.

Read more