But it can also cause kidney damage. Azathioprine is another immunosuppressant effective in treating atopic dermatitis. However it can affect the bone marrow and the liver. Mycophenolate mofetil is similar in its actions to azathioprine. It can also affect the bone marrow.
Chinese herbs can be beneficial for some patients, taken either as a tea or applied to the skin.
They can also have side effects including liver and kidney damage. The herbs are usually not available on the NHS and can be expensive. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed if the atopic dermatitis is infected. The commonest infection is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which causes a yellowish crust on the affected area. The doctor may prescribe aciclovir to be taken as a tablet or syrup.