What is Eczema?
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a very itchy rash. Children with eczema have very dry skin. The skin is dry because it lacks water. Taking good care of the skin can keep it from becoming red, irritated, itchy, and sometimes infected. Eczema is a problem that doesn’t really go away. Sometimes it is worse and sometimes it is better. It can be made worse by things like wool, soap, sweat, heat, or stress.
What can we do to keep the eczema under control?
- Take at least one bath or shower every day using warm (but not hot) water for at least 10-15 minutes. Rough washcloths may be irritating so use one only if really necessary.
- DO NOT USE HARSH OR DEODORANT SOAP OR BUBBLE BATH. Use gentle soaps like Dove®, Cetaphil®, Aveeno®, Neutrogena®, or Moisturel®.
- After the bath or shower, gently pat away excess water and put Vaseline® or any special medicine onto the damp skin to seal in the water.
- Use a steroid medicine (usually prescribed by a doctor) ONLY TO THE RED AREAS of the skin. Be sure the skin is slightly damp as this will help the medicine go into the skin.
- Put Eucerin® cream, Aquaphor® ointment, Lubriderm® or Moisturel® on during the day to keep the skin moist and free from itching. Use one of these every day and whenever the skin looks dry.
What else can we do?
- Wash all new clothes before wearing them. Rinse them twice to make sure all the soap is gone.
- Wear clothes that are loose fitting and made of cotton so air can pass freely. Don’t get clothes made of wool, silk or nylon.
- ALWAYS use sunscreen and avoid getting a sunburn.
- Rinse chlorine from your skin after swimming and put a cream or lotion on right away.
- If your skin itches a lot at night, your doctor may order a medicine to take by mouth (an antihistimine).
When should the care provider be called?
If there are any signs of infection:
- Deep redness
- Swelling
- Any yellow drainage with a bad odor