Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic itchy inflammatory disease. Sometimes it occurs on its own while other times children may have asthma and or allergies at the same time.
Common Features include:
- Dry skin
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Flakey/scaly skin
- Patches or bumps on skin
- Thickening or darkening of skin where patient has had chronic flares
Common Affected Areas include:
- Inside elbows
- Backs of knees
- Creases or folds
- Can be generalized and affect multiple areas of entire body
Home Care:
- Bathe every other day in luke warm water
- Lotion immediately after bathing
- Lotion 2-3 times a day
- Use scent free/dye free soaps/lotions/detergents
- Soaps: Aveeno, Dove sensitive
- Lotions:Aquaphor, Eucerin, Cerave, Vaseline
- Detergents: All Free & Clear, Tide Free
- Avoid dryer sheets and fabric softeners
- Use a daily antihistamine (if approved by your provider) to help with itchiness
- A topical steroid may be provided to your child by your provider for flare-ups; if prescribed, it can be used twice a day for up to 10 days for flares
If you have questions or concerns, please call your provider for additional instructions on treatment of eczema