Eczema Care

ECZEMA CARE

 

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a common chronic condition that causes an inflammatory, dry, and itchy rash.  It is more common in people with allergies and asthma and tends to run in families.  It can be controlled, but not cured- it comes and goes.  Thankfully, eczema often improves with age and many children will outgrow it over time.

AVOID TRIGGERS:

• Use unscented, dye-free, hypoallergenic detergents.  See list below for recommended brands and products.
• Avoid fabric softener or drier sheets.
• Give a short daily bath or shower in warm (but not really hot) water. 
• Use fragrance and dye-free moisturizing soaps to bathe.
• Pat dry after bathing and immediately apply moisturizer.
• Avoid perfumes and certain fabrics like wool or polyester if they aggravate your eczema. 
• Heat, being sweaty, changes in weather, and stress can also be triggers.
• Foods do not cause eczema but may be triggers for some children.

DAILY MOISTURIZER:

• Choose an unscented, dye-free, thick cream or ointment and apply it twice daily and after bathing or washing your hands.  Although they can feel greasy, thick creams or ointments often work better than lotion.  This should be done every day, whether having symptoms or not.

WHEN IT FLARES:

• Apply OTC hydrocortisone ointment or a prescription steroid to rough patches twice daily until smooth or for up to 2 weeks as recommended by your doctor.  Steroid medication should not be applied to normal skin.  Avoid applying high-potency steroids to the face, underarms, or groin areas.
• Apply a heavy moisturizer, over the steroid medication.  Topical steroids should not replace your usual moisturizer.
• Keep nails short to decrease risks of scratching and introducing infection.
• If the itch is severe and preventing good sleep, your doctor may recommend Benadryl or a prescription anti-histamine to reduce itching.
• If worse or not improving, see your doctor to discuss further treatment.  For severe or refractory disease, there are other options to consider and discuss.
• Also, for worsening, weeping skin, open lesions, pustules, blisters, or honey-colored crusting, see your doctor to address the possibility of overlying infection.

ECZEMA FRIENDLY PRODUCTS/BRANDS:

Detergents:

• Tide Free
• All Free and Clear
• Purex Free
• Store brand hypoallergenic fragrance and dye-free detergent

Soaps:

• Dove for Sensitive Skin (bar or liquid)
• CereVe Cleanser
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Bar (not face wash)
• Vanicream Cleansing Bar
• Aveeno Eczema Therapy Wash

Moisturizer:

• Vaseline Ointment (no fragrance)
• Aquaphor Ointment (contains lanolin- aggravating for some people)
• Eucerin Cream (contains lanolin)
• Vanicream
• CereVe Cream
• Cetaphil Cream (contains almond oil)
• Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
• Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream

Sunblock: 

• Vanicream Sensitive Skin SPF 30 or 60
• Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 60+
• Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby SPF 60+
• Aveeno Natural Protection SPF 30