Guide To Major Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

Cracked And Scaly Skin

Cracked and scaly skin could develop if a patient scratches their skin. Sometimes, a patient's skin may be so dry and fragile that it cracks even with gentle movement. Patients could notice thickened areas of skin, and cracks in these areas are at a high risk of infection. For example, affected areas could develop dry crusts of yellow discharge that might indicate an infection, and antibiotics could be necessary. Moisturizers and the use of prescription creams may help prevent skin cracking and scaling. Creams that contain coal tar or anthralin are often prescribed to treat thickened skin, and patients might also be asked to use a barrier repair cream with ceramides to repair cracked skin. Individuals who use coal tar creams may experience side effects such as stinging at the application site. Depending on the severity of cracks and scales on the skin, wet-wrap treatment with topical corticosteroids could be beneficial; however, this must be done properly to prevent infection, and it should not be used on already infected skin.

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