<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What is eczema?</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. Eczema affects adults and children, but it is most common in babies.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What is atopic dermatitis?</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. &quot;Atopic&quot; describes an inherited tendency to develop dermatitis, asthma and hay fever. &quot;Dermatitis&quot; means that the skin is red and itchy.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">When does atopic dermatitis start and how long does it last?</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Atopic dermatitis usually starts during infancy and continues into childhood. There are times when the condition gets worse (called flare-ups). Flare-ups are followed by times when the skin will heal and there may be no signs of atopic dermatitis (called remission). Remission can last for weeks, months or even years. Some children will outgrow atopic dermatitis, and others will still have it when they are adults. Flare-ups in adults tend to be less severe.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What are the symptoms?</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Atopic dermatitis and eczema may start out as dry, extremely itchy skin. The rash may become very red, swollen and sore. The more you scratch it, the worse it generally gets. A clear fluid may leak from the rash. Eventually, the rash will crust over and start to scale. Common places for the rash are in the elbow creases, behind the knees, on the cheeks, and on the buttocks.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What causes eczema and atopic dermatitis?</span></span></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">You are more likely to have atopic dermatitis or eczema if a family member has it. They aren&rsquo;t contagious, which means you can&#39;t catch them from other people. The exact cause of eczema and atopic dermatitis is unknown.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What can I do if I have eczema or atopic dermatitis?</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment to apply to the rash. This will help reduce itching and calm inflammation. Use it right after bathing. Follow your doctor&#39;s directions for using this medicine or check the label for proper use. Call your doctor if your skin does not get better after 3 weeks of using the medicine.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Antihistamines like hydroxyzine that reduce itching can also help make it easier not to scratch. A new class of drugs, called immunomodulators, works well if you have a severe rash. Two drugs in this class are tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. These drugs keep your immune system from overreacting when stimulated by an allergen. Because they affect your immune system, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that these drugs only be used when other treatments won&#39;t work.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches. Scratching can break the skin. Bacteria can enter these breaks and cause infection. Moisturizing your skin will help prevent itchiness.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What can I do about eczema and atopic dermatitis?</span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Eczema and atopic dermatitis can&rsquo;t be cured, but they can be managed, and you can learn to avoid the things that trigger them.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Some things that may irritate your skin include household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. Try to avoid contact with things that make you break out with eczema. Soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation. Wash your hands only when necessary and use a mild unscented soap such as Dove, Basis or Oil of Olay, especially if you have eczema on your hands. Dry your hands completely after you wash them.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to have your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves to prevent a buildup of sweat inside your gloves.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry your skin, and dryness can make your eczema worse.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Care for your skin in the bath or shower.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Bathe only with a mild unscented soap, such as Dove, Basis or Oil of Olay. Use a small amount of soap. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin because the skin&#39;s outer layer can absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Use a moisturizer on your skin every day.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Moisturizers help keep your skin soft and flexible. They prevent skin cracks. A plain moisturizer is best. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is plain petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Use moisturizers that are more greasy than creamy, because creams usually have more preservatives in them.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin that is common in winter.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Avoid getting too hot and sweaty.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Too much heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated and itchy. Try to avoid activities that make you hot and sweaty.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Learn how to manage stress in your life.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Learn how to recognize and&nbsp;<a href="http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing/mental-health/stress-how-to-cope-better-with-lifes-challenges.html">cope with stress.</a>&nbsp;Stress reduction techniques can help. Changing your activities to reduce daily stress can also be helpful.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Continue skin care even after your skin has healed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The area where you had the eczema may easily get irritated again, so it needs special care. Continue to follow the tips in this handout even after your skin has healed.</span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>Questions to Ask Your Doctor</em></span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What treatment is best for me?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Should I use a steroid cream or ointment?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What are the side effects from the steroid cream or ointment?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Do I need to take any other medicines?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What is the best way to prevent flare-ups from eczema and atopic dermatitis?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Is there a certain type of soap I should use?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">My child has eczema. What kind of moisturizer is best for him/her?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">How can I keep my child from scratching the rash?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I have eczema. Will my children have it?</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">How should I care for the rash if I have a flare-up?</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
