Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Fact Sheet
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About Eczema
What is atopic dermatitis?
Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a
common type of skin inflammation that tends to occur in individuals
with a history of allergies. People usually develop an itchy, dry,
scaly rash which may go on to form tiny blisters, crusts or thickening.
Eczema is a synonym for atopic dermatitis.
What causes atopic dermatitis?
The exact cause is still unknown. However, contact with allergens,
chemicals or other irritants may precipitate the rash. Some predisposing
factors may be a family history or personal history of asthma, hay
fever or hives. Also food allergies to milk, peanuts, treenuts, soy,
wheat, fish or other foods may aggravate symptoms. Scratching the
rash usually aggravates the symptoms and may introduce a secondary
infection.
What can make it worse?
Extreme hot or cold temperatures; dry skin; wool or rough clothing;
irritating soaps, lotions, perfumes, or colognes; some laundry detergents,
water softeners, or dryer softener sheets; certain foods; scratching;
common industrial agents; frequent bathing; and high stress.
What can make it better?
There is no cure. Your goal is to prevent dry skin, decrease itching
and control the rash. Atopic dermatitis tends to be a chronic condition
that may clear completely or flare if aggravated.
Medications
- Antihistamines can decrease itching. Loratadine (such as Claritin®
10 mg daily), diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl®) and chlorpheniramine
(such as Chlortrimeton®) are available over-the-counter. Diphenhydramine
causes some drowsiness so is most tolerable at bedtime.
- Steroid creams, lotions or ointments can decrease the inflammation
from the rash. Your health care provider will recommend what's best
for you to use. Hydrocortisone 0.5%-1% is available over-the-counter.
Applying steroid creams soon after bathing, and lubricating can enhance
their absorption.
Other tips
- Avoid contact with substances that cause itching. Use rubber gloves
(over cotton gloves, if possible, to absorb perspiration) when handling
irritants (eg, certain foods, chemicals, cleaning agents, or when
washing dishes).
- Do not bathe too frequently or use hot water. If you must use soap,
mild, unscented soaps such as Dove™, Tone™, Oil of Olay™,
or Neutrogena™ are preferred as they are less drying. Non-soap
cleaners such as Cetaphil™ are also a good choice. Lightly pat
dry after bathing, don't rub.
- Use lanolin-free, scent-free, alcohol-free moisturizers frequently,
such as Keri Lotion, Neutra Plus™, Neutraderm™, Wondra™,
Moisturel™, Nivea™, Eucerin™, Curel™, or Aqua
Care™. Apply these immediately after bathing and frequently during
the day.
- Use less irritating laundry products (hypoallergenic) such as Liquid
Downy Softener™, White King™, All Free™ or Cheer Free™.
Avoid using dryer sheets.
- Try to keep the temperature and humidity in your home fairly constant.
- Drink plenty of water to help prevent skin dryness.
- Avoid scrubbing or scratching.
Check with your health care provider:
- If your rash is spreading or getting worse
- If you are unable to control your symptoms
- If symptoms of an infection develop (redness and pain with or without
pus)
Related Services at the Tang Center
For Students:
- Advice Nurse: (510) 643-7197
- Appointments: (510) 642-2000
- Self Care Resource Center: (510) 642-7202
For Faculty and Staff:
- Please refer questions to your health plan or primary care provider.
Additional Online Resources
Related Topics
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose,
treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease.
It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists
between an individual and his/her clinician.
Last reviewed: October 2006
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