Atopic dermatitis is a dry, itchy, red rash. It’s also called eczema. The rash is chronic, or ongoing. It can come and go over time. The disease is often passed down in families. It causes a problem with the skin barrier that makes the skin more sensitive to the environment and other factors. The increased skin sensitivity causes an itch, which causes scratching. Scratching can make the itching worse or also break the skin. This can put the skin at risk of infection.
The condition is most common in people with asthma, hay fever, hives, or dry or sensitive skin. The rash may be set off by extreme heat or heavy sweating. Skin irritants can cause the rash to flare up. These can include wool or silk clothing, grease, oils, some medicines, and harsh soaps and detergents. Emotional stress can also be a trigger.
Treatment is done to relieve the itching and inflammation of the skin. This is often done with home care and over-the-counter treatments. Your health care provider may prescribe other treatments.
Home care
Follow these tips to care for your condition:
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Keep the areas of rash clean by bathing at least every other day. Use lukewarm water to bathe. Don’t use hot water, which can dry out the skin. Keep showers short--over washing can remove the natural protective oils from your skin.
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Don’t use soaps with strong detergents or added chemicals for fragrance. Use mild, unscented soaps made for sensitive skin.
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Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to damp skin right after bathing. If your provider prescribed any other creams or ointments, use them as directed.
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Stay away from things that irritate your skin. Wear absorbent, soft fabrics next to the skin rather than rough or scratchy materials.
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Use mild laundry soap free of scents and perfumes. Make sure to rinse all the soap out of your clothes.
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Treat any skin infection as directed.
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Use oral diphenhydramine to help reduce itching. This is an antihistamine you can buy at drug and grocery stores. It can make you sleepy, so use lower doses during the daytime. Be cautious of driving or operating machinery. Or you can use loratadine or other antihistamines that may not make you as sleepy. Don't use diphenhydramine if you have glaucoma or have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
Follow-up care
See your provider, or as advised. If your symptoms don’t get better or if they get worse in the next 7 days, make an appointment with your provider.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your provider right away if:
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The area of redness or pain in the skin gets bigger.
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You see yellow crusts or wet drainage from the rash.
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
