Tips to Relieve Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Treatment of atopic dermatitis, or skin asthma, begins with a few simple steps you can take every day. Regularly following a good, therapeutic skincare regimen can help significantly alleviate symptoms.

These tips apply to babies, children, and adults alike:

• Keep skin lubricated. Dry skin is far itchier than lubricated skin. Be sure to apply creams formulated for atopic dermatitis to all affected areas at least three times a day. It is especially important to lubricate the skin after bathing and before bed to relieve nighttime itchiness.
• Dress your baby or child in clothes made of 100% cotton. Avoid synthetic materials. Choose loose, light clothing that does not cling to the skin.
• Avoid products that can irritate the skin like soaps, cleaning products, fragrances, laundry detergents and softeners. Choose hypoallergenic products.
• When bathing, use hypoallergenic products that moisturize the skin. Use lukewarm water and keep baths and showers short. Avoid excessive exposure to heat or dryness.
• Trim nails regularly to avoid damaging the skin when itching.
• Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Short bursts of sun exposure can benefit dry skin. The beach is usually a better choice than the pool because chlorine can irritate the skin.
• Avoid excessive heat and dryness. Avoid space heaters or air conditioners that can cause dry skin. When using heaters, regulate humidity levels.