Atopic dermatitis/ Eczema is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the skin. It is not contagious, it cannot be passed from one person to another. The word “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin. “Atopic” refers to a group of diseases in which there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Bath:
Avoid hot water bath, use warm water
Avoid soaps
Avoid prolonged wetting of skin, finish bath within 5 minutes and pat dry with a soft towel
Avoid rubbing the skin with a towel
Use moisturising cream immediately after the bath (on the moist skin )
Moisturise at least three times a day
Clothing:
Use loose cotton clothes and avoid wool, scratchy fabrics and light clothes
In cold weather use many layers of clothes rather than wool
Avoid perfumes/deodorants and cosmetics
Food:
If any food item seems to worsen the skin condition, keep a food diary and discuss with your doctor regarding avoiding them
Common allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, shellfish, and fish
Hydrolysed formulas should not be offered to infants in preference to breast milk for the prevention of atopic eczema
Do not use diets based on unmodified proteins of other species' milk (for example, goat's or sheep's milk) or partially hydrolysed formulas for the treatment of suspected cow's milk allergy
Diets including soy protein can be offered to children aged over 6 months with specialist dietary advice
General instructions:
Avoid scratching your body. If you feel like scratching apply moisturising cream and take antihistamines if needed
Attempt to distract the child with activities to keep him or her from scratching
Keep nails short
Use cotton gloves if needed to stop scratching
Use humidifiers in room especially air-conditioned rooms
Avoid excessive sweating and exercise in hot/humid weather
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke
Keep child away from dust/sand. (Avoid using sofas/carpets curtains etc. where dust accumulates) Identify and remove irritants and allergens