Atopic Dermatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Atopic dermatitis (der-muh-TI-tus) is also called eczema (EGG-zih-muh). Eczema is an itchy, red skin rash. You are more likely to have it if you or another family member has eczema, hayfever, or asthma. Certain conditions and substances called "triggers" may cause your skin to break out. Some triggers are dry skin, stress, and infections. Others are very hot or very cold temperatures, and sweating. Eczema may also be triggered by allergies and things that irritate the skin. These include rough, scratchy clothing or bedding, and foods. It includes products that have dyes, preservatives (chemicals that keep products fresh), and fragrances (perfumes) in them.
  
  
• Eczema happens more often in babies and young children, but people can get eczema at any age. Although there is no cure for eczema, it can be treated. Treatment includes staying away from things that cause your eczema flare-ups, and using moisturizers and special medicines. Eczema can be a short or long-term problem, and may last days, months, or years. Many children who get eczema at a young age stop having it by the time they are a teenager. Some people get eczema when they become a teenager or older. You may have problems with eczema all of your life.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks): This may be given to help your body fight an infection caused by a germ called bacteria (bak-TEER-e-uh). Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to any antibiotics.
  
  
• Antihistamine (an-ti-HISS-tuh-mean): This medicine may help decrease itching. It may also help you sleep better at night.
  
  
• Steroids (STAIR-oids) and immunomodulators (ih-mew-no-MOD-u-la-tors): These medicines may help decrease redness and itching so your rash can heal. Use them exactly as directed. Gently rub in creams or ointments into your rash. Rubbing them in well may help the medicine work better. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your caregiver tells you to stop. Stopping this medicine without a caregiver's OK may cause problems with your health.
  
  
• Tar preparations: These may also help your rash heal. These may come in the form of shampoos, creams, or bath oil. Tar preparations have a strong smell and may stain clothing. Put these on at night and wash off in the morning. Wear old pajamas that are OK to stain. Cover bedding to prevent staining.

What can I do every day to help heal or prevent another eczema rash?

• Try not to scratch or rub your rash.
  
  
• Keep your skin moist all the time. Use medicine and the ointments, creams, and lotions your caregiver suggests. Greasier ointments and creams are best.
  
  
• Bathe or shower using warm (not hot) water. Wash your rash with plain water or moisturizing lotion. Wash skin areas that do not have a rash with mild soap or cleanser. Always put oil or lotion on your skin right after your bath, while your skin is slightly wet.
  
  
• Never use bubble bath. Use unscented bath oil instead.
  
  
• Always use hand lotion after washing your hands. Only wash your hands when necessary. Wear gloves when using harsh cleansers or washing dishes. Use vinyl or cotton-lined gloves to protect your hands. You may also put on cotton gloves, then put rubber gloves over them.
  
  
• Wear soft, loose clothing made of cotton or cotton-blend. Do not wear heavy, rough, stiff, or scratchy clothing. These include wool, polyester, and other synthetic fabrics.
  
  
• In hot weather, stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. Avoid activities that cause you to sweat a lot.
  
  
• Do not use substances that bother your skin. Ask your caregiver to help you choose the right every day products to use. Products may include soaps, make-up, hair products, lotions, and sunscreens. Always check product labels for substances that may irritate your skin.
  
  
• Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax (deep breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback). Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.
  
  
• Stay away from people who have infections like colds, fever blisters, or flu.
  
  
• If you need wet dressings for your eczema, ask your caregiver to show you how to put them on.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You cannot sleep because you have bad skin itching.
  
  
• Your skin rash is not better after treatment. Call if your rash is worse.
  
  
• Your skin rash has pus coming from it or has soft yellow scabs on it.
  
  
• Your rash flares up after you have been around someone with cold sores (fever blisters).

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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