Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition usually caused by allergies in which the skin becomes red, itchy and develops into a rash. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Cases of atopic eczema in on the rise, affecting 9 to 30% of the U.S. population. It is particularly common in young children and infants. While many infants who develop the condition outgrow it by their second birthday, some continue to experience symptoms on and off throughout life. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled in the majority of sufferers.
Eczema Treatment
The key to treating eczema is to control the itching. Triggers that can make your itch worse are rough clothes, exposure to allergens (such as foods or dust mites), sweating, using irritating products (including soaps and lotions), local skin infections, or getting emotionally upset. There are several things you can do to control the itch:
- Avoid rough or tight clothing. Washed, breathable soft cotton is best.
- Wash new clothing several times before wearing.
- Use plain soap powder (not enzyme detergents) when washing clothes and be sure to rinse well.
- Avoid soap and baths as much as possible. Use soap substitutes.
- Take quick showers or baths with only slightly warm water.
- Pat dry (never rub) after bathing.
- Apply a lubricating moisturizer after bathing while the skin is still damp. Apply the moisturizer several times a day to areas of the skin that are very dry.
- Antihistamines are nearly always helpful to control the itching and should be taken on a regular daily basis. This is one place where a sedating antihistamine taken at bedtime can be helpful.
- Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments applied to the areas of rash (as prescribed) will help control the rash and itching. These are also more effective if applied after washing while the skin is still moist. As the rash clears, decrease the use of cream. Potent steroids should never be applied to the face unless an allergist or dermatologist gives specific instructions. If you are not sure what your topical prescription is, ask your doctor.
- If the skin gets extremely red, or if pus appears, there may be an infection and you should see your doctor immediately. If you do not clear the infection, your skin condition will not clear.
