Eczema:

Eczema, also known as "Atopic Dermatitis," is a chronic condition characterized by dry, irritated skin. It is seen in all ages, from infancy through old age. It is seen more commonly in individuals and families that have a high prevalence of asthma and allergies.

Many things in the environment can trigger eczema or exacerbate it (make it worse). If your child has eczema, you will learn which items in the environment trigger his or her eczema. That being said there are certain measures you can take to help prevent and control eczema.

Avoid great swings in temperature, and keep your child's room temperature as low as possible while maintaining comfort.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months. Keeping the humidity above 35% will help relieve symptoms.

Avoid rough or constricting clothing. Select clothing that is absorbent and non-irritating. For example, cotton is preferable to wool.

Launder clothing with bland soaps (for example Ivory Snow™) and rinse the clothing thoroughly. If possible, reset the washing machine to the rinse cycle and run it through again. It is very important that you avoid the use of fabric softeners, including dryer sheets.

Bathing:

Dermatologists now recommend that infants and young children be bathed daily. However, bathing tends to dry the skin considerably.

Use a very mild soap (for example Dove™) when you bathe your child. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing with a washcloth or sponge. Immediately after bathing, pat your child dry with a towel. While the skin is still damp, apply a cream such as Eucerin™ or Nivea™ to the skin. This will help to lock the moisture into the skin and help to prevent the eczema. It might sound strange, but you can also use regular (unflavored) solid Crisco™ for this skin care. It works well and is much cheaper than other options.

Another helpful product is Cetaphil™ for daily cleansing. This is a commercially-available cleansing preparation for people with sensitive skin.

Treatment:

The mainstay of treatment, as in most conditions, is prevention. However, if your child develops eczema, your physician will prescribe a treatment plan for your child. This will most likely include oral antihistamines, hydration, and lubrication of the skin (e.g. with Eucerin™ or other lotions and creams) and possibly topical steroids. You should follow those instructions carefully.

Please call your physician's office if:

• Your child's eczema appears to worsen despite the above measures and your physician's treatment.
• You have any other questions.