Atopic Eczema
This condition (also called atopic dermatitis or infantile eczema) affects people with dry and rough skin (keratosis pilaris) and may be caused by a variety of allergens. It often starts in early childhood, around three months of age, and tends to run in ‘atopic’ families.
Atopic eczema can vary in severity. Some people are only mildly affected and have small areas of dry skin, which are occasionally itchy. Others may experience more severe symptoms, such as cracked, sore and bleeding skin.
For most children with atopic eczema, it clears up or significantly improves as they get older. In approximately 53% of young children with atopic eczema, it clears up by the time they reach 11, and in 65% of cases it clears up by the age of 16.
People with atopic eczema should bath regularly using liberal amounts of emollients (moisturising creams, ointments, lotions and bath oils) to soften and hydrate the skin. Ointments work much better than creams on dry eczematous skin, but are greasy.
Often, in the commonest form of eczema (atopic eczema), the problem is worst in the folds of the skin where your limbs bend.
The itch is intense, and makes you want to scratch. You should avoid this if you possibly can, as scratching only makes the symptoms worse. People say that if you have to do anything, gentle rubbing, with the flat of your hands, is better than scratching.
If you have atopic eczema you may find the following useful:
* Take lukewarm baths with emollients, but don’t stay in the water too long
* Pat the skin dry with a towel – never rub eczematous skin dry
* Avoid soap, detergents and shampoo – use aqueous cream instead of soap
* Wear cotton fabrics next to your skin – avoid wool and polyester
* Wear loose rather than tight-fitting clothes
* Clip your fingernails and don’t scratch or rub your skin
* Avoid sports that make you sweat a lot
* Try to stay calm and relaxed because stress can make eczema worse
Find out more about Atopic Eczema in:
The Symptoms of Eczema and Dermatitis.
Eczema and Dermatitis Preventions
Treatments for Eczema and Dermatitis
Causes of Eczema and Dermatitis
