Atopic dermatitis, or AD, can be quite annoying to live with. Between the redness and the itchiness, it can feel like your skin has turned against you. There are numerous treatments available, but sometimes your doctor will prescribe a treatment, you'll use it, and your symptoms will persist? Why does this happen, and what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Take a look.

1. You could still be exposing yourself to an irritating substance.

Often, treatments prescribed by doctors, such as corticosteroid creams and antihistamines, will go a long way towards reducing your body's reaction to whatever substances are triggering your atopic dermatitis breakouts. However, they don't turn off this "system" in your body completely, so if you are still being exposed to significant amounts of your trigger substances, you will still get some AD symptoms.

Try keeping a trigger diary. Write down what products and substances you use, and when your AD symptoms seem worse. If you start to see a correlation between certain soaps or detergents and your breakouts, cut those items out of your routine.

2. You might need a larger dose of the medication.

If you are confident you have been avoiding your triggers, but you're still suffering AD symptoms, then you may simply need a larger dose of the medication you've been prescribed. Doctors often like to start patients on a lower dose and see how they respond, and then only increase the dose if the lower dose does not deliver relief. This approach reduces your risk of side effects. If you are using a topical cream, ask your doctor if they can prescribe a higher concentration. If you're taking a pill, ask your doctor if it's safe to increase your dose.

3. You may not have AD.

It is possible that you have been misdiagnosed; you might have another skin ailment such as psoriasis. Every patient presents a little differently, and diagnosis is usually a bit of trial and error, so this is not always your doctor's fault. Make another appointment, perhaps for a second opinion with a different dermatologist, and ask whether it's possible you don't truly have AD. If your doctor arrives at a different diagnosis, they may prescribe you something else that works better for your actual condition.

If your treatment for AD is not working, don't dismay. If you dig just a little deeper and consider the possibilities above, you can find relief. For more information, contact pathophysiology atopic dermatitis services.