Eczema (atopic dermatitis): what it is, and how it is treated
Reviewed by Dr [PLACEHOLDER], dermatologist · Last reviewed [PLACEHOLDER date]
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. It tends to come and go in flares. There is no cure, but treatment can control flares and the itch. Below, each atopic dermatitis treatment is explained in plain language, from daily moisturisers to newer non-steroid creams.
How severe is it?
Mild [PLACEHOLDER: reviewer to define in plain words]
Moderate [PLACEHOLDER: reviewer to define in plain words]
Severe [PLACEHOLDER: reviewer to define in plain words]
Treatment options, step by step
- Daily moisturisers and trigger care. The base of every treatment plan.
- Steroid creams. Used for flares, in different strengths.
- Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. Steroid-free creams often used on the face and folds.
- Crisaborole. A steroid-free ointment for mild to moderate eczema [PLACEHOLDER: reviewer to confirm local availability].
- Ruxolitinib cream. A JAK-inhibitor cream approved in the US for mild to moderate eczema in non-immunocompromised people aged 2 and over, when other prescription creams have not worked well enough or are not advisable. Read about ruxolitinib cream for eczema →
- Tablets and injections. For moderate to severe eczema: biologics and oral JAK inhibitors, prescribed by specialists.
How quickly it works
For ruxolitinib cream, the label says to see your doctor again if there is no improvement within 8 weeks.
Chart: itch and clearance results [to be added]
Children with eczema
Ruxolitinib cream can be used from age 2. Children aged 2 to 11 have a lower maximum amount: one 60 g tube every two weeks.
What treatment costs
| Option | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Steroid creams | [PLACEHOLDER] | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Tacrolimus | [PLACEHOLDER] | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Ruxolitinib cream (Rutinib) | [PLACEHOLDER] | [PLACEHOLDER] |
| Biologic injections | [PLACEHOLDER] | [PLACEHOLDER] |
Thinking about ruxolitinib cream? Tell us your country and we will tell you whether we can supply it, what it costs and what paperwork you need.
Read next
- Ruxolitinib cream for eczema How it works, who it is approved for, and practical tips for application
- Eczema treatments compared Efficacy, side effects, and typical timelines across topicals and systemic therapies
- Ruxolitinib cream for children Safety parameters, age limits, and dosage ceilings for ages 2 to 11
- Generic ruxolitinib vs Opzelura Ingredient equivalence, regulatory status, and what data is currently published
On this page
- How severe is it?
- Treatment options, step by step
- How quickly it works
- Children with eczema
- What treatment costs
- Thinking about ruxolitinib cream?
- Read next
Check availability and price →
Ruxolitinib cream is for mild to moderate eczema only.
Sources
- Opzelura prescribing information, revised 06/2026.
- [PLACEHOLDER: dermatology guideline source]