Atopic Dermatitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Atopic dermatitis (der-muh-TI-tis) is also called eczema (EGG-zih-muh). Eczema is an itchy, red skin rash. It 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 cannot be spread to others. It can be a short or long-term problem, and may last days, months, or years. Eczema that starts at a young age often goes away by the time the child becomes a teenager. Some people get eczema when they become a teenager or older. You may have problems with eczema all of your life.

What are the causes? The cause of eczema is unknown. You are more likely to have it if your parent or another family member has eczema, hayfever, or asthma. Certain conditions and substances called "triggers" may cause your eczema to flare-up. They are:

• Dry skin. Your skin can dry out from too much bathing or showering, or not keeping your skin moisturized.
  
  
• Infections (in-FECK-shuns). You may get eczema after having a cold, flu, or skin infection such as athlete's foot or a cold sore.
  
  
• Extreme temperatures. This includes being outside in hot or cold weather, sweating too much, or dressing too warmly.
  
  
• Allergies and sensitivities. Fragrances (perfumes), dyes, and preservatives (chemicals to keep products fresh) are added to many every day products. These include products like soaps, hair dyes, make-up, or lotions. Your skin may be irritated if it is wet too often, or exposed to chemicals like oils, turpentine, or paints. Other irritants that may cause eczema flare-ups are certain foods, pollen, mold, dust mites, and furry or hairy pets.
  
  
• Rough, scratchy items. These include wool or stiff, stratchy clothing or bed linens.
  
  
• Emotional stress. You may feel frustrated, angry, embarrassed, or self-conscious because of your eczema. You may feel stressed about something that is happening in your family, school, or job. You may feel very tired because you have not been able to sleep well.

What are the signs and symptoms? Eczema is usually very itchy. It may be red, pimpled, blistered, or oozing (leaking fluid) with crusts. Over time, your eczema may become dark red or brown, thick, cracked, or scaly. It may hurt when touched, or may feel hot. Skin that becomes very damaged (hurt) by eczema may fade and look pale after the rash is gone. Eczema on babies usually appears on the face, scalp (skin on the head), or any areas that are easily rubbed or scratched. Eczema may appear anywhere on the body. On older children and adults, it often appears on the hands, feet, and areas that bend or flex. These include eyelids, ankles, wrists, armpits, fronts of elbows, and behind the knees. Itching may be worst at night. It can be so miserable that people have a difficult time sleeping.

How is it diagnosed and treated? Go to a caregiver. He will ask you many questions about your skin. He will want to know if anyone else in your family has allergies, eczema, or sensitive skin. He may do a blood test or skin test to learn if you have allergies. You may need anti-itching medicine. You may need wet dressings, thick creams and ointments, and special medicines. If your eczema is very bad, you may need UV (ultraviolet) light treatments to help with healing. You may need to take antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks) if your skin is infected, such as from scratching. You must learn which conditions and substances cause your eczema to flare-up. Then you can try to stay away from them.

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

• Try not to scratch or rub your rash. Scratching and rubbing hard may damage your skin or cause it to become infected.
  
  
• Keep your skin moist. Use medicine, moisturizers, oils, and soaps that your caregiver suggests. Greasier ointments and creams may keep your skin more moist. Bathe or shower every two to three days or less. Take sponge baths between regular bathing. Use warm (not hot) water. Wash your eczema rash with plain water or moisturing lotion. Wash healthy skin areas with mild soap or cleanser. Put unscented bath oil in the water. Do not use bubble bath. Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer or oil while your skin is slightly wet.
  
  
• Protect your hands. 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.
  
  
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Hot weather and sweating may cause your eczema to be itchier and more irritated. In hot weather, wear soft, loose clothing like cotton or a cotton blend. Stay in air-conditioning as much as possible. Avoid activities that cause you to sweat a lot. Cold weather can dry out your skin and make it feel uncomfortable. Wear warm clothes, but do not wear rough, stratchy clothes such as wool, polyester, and other synthetic fabrics.
  
  
• 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. Make sure the products you buy do not have substances in them that irritate your skin. Learn which substances or conditions at your school or workplace may be causing your eczema.
  
  
• Use special medicines given to you by your caregiver. Use them exactly as directed. Gently dot or rub special creams or ointments into your rash. Rubbing them in well may help them to work better.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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.

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page