,
becoming drier and flaky in older children. Adults may see scaly,
leathery patches or a stubborn hand eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a
common, often-inherited form, but there are other types and many
treatments.
2
/
25
Symptoms
Itching is the main
one. And when you start to scratch, your skin becomes inflamed and even
itchier. It can look different, but you may notice:
- Red, scaly areas
- Small, rough bumps
- Thick, leathery patches
- Bumps that leak fluid and crust over
If you have dark skin, the affected area might be lighter or darker.
-----------------------------
Eczema in Children
Kids can get the
rash on the inside of their elbows or behind the knees, around their
mouths, on the sides of their necks, or on wrists, arms, and hands.
Those with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have food allergies,
including allergies to peanuts, milk, or other nuts. But you shouldn't
restrict foods unless your doctor confirms a food sensitivity. It’s not
contagious, either.
areas of the body, such as the inside of the elbows and back of the
knees. But eczema can appear anywhere, including the neck, chest, and
eyelids. People who had atopic dermatitis as a child may see drier,
scaly rashes as adults. The skin may be discolored or thickened.
7
/
25
Diagnosis
If a rash won’t go
away, is uncomfortable, or develops a crust or pus-filled blister, see
your doctor. She'll check your medical history, symptoms, and ask you
about any allergies that run in your family. You may also get allergy
tests or a microscopic exam of a skin scraping (seen here) to rule out
infections.
-----------------------
Eczema and Allergies
The triggers that
bring on an allergy attack -- dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold --
can cause some people with atopic dermatitis to break out in a rash.
Food allergies also can set off a flare-up. These allergens cause the
immune system to overreact, leading to skin inflammation.
5
Eczema and Allergies
The triggers that
bring on an allergy attack -- dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold --
can cause some people with atopic dermatitis to break out in a rash.
Food allergies also can set off a flare-up. These allergens cause the
immune system to overreact, leading to skin inflammation.
10
/
25
Other Triggers
Irritants can cause
inflammation and itching, bringing on a bout of eczema. Touching harsh
chemicals can cause a rash in anyone, but people with eczema may be
sensitive to mild irritants, such as wool, detergents, astringents, or
fragrances. Emotional stress can cause a flare-up, too. So can sweating
and wetting and drying your skin a lot, such as when you wash your hands
-----------
Try Not to Scratch
People with atopic
dermatitis may scratch as many as 500 to 1,000 times a day. It worsens
the rash and can make an infection more likely. Use a cold compress to
ease the itchy feeling. Distract children with activities. Moisturizers
are soothing, and some medicated creams or ointments may help, too.
Corticosteroids
Over-the-counter
hydrocortisone products may help mild cases of eczema. Don’t use them on
children under 2 or for more than 7 days unless your doctor says it’s
OK. Sometimes, people need stronger corticosteroids to control the
inflammation. Long-term use can have side effects, such as thinning
skin, infections, stretch marks, and visible blood vessels. If other
treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend steroid shots or pills.
Antihistamines
These meds may
provide relief from the cycle of itching and scratching for some people
with atopic dermatitis. Many OTC and prescription-only options are
available, each with slightly different dosing and side effects. Check
with your doctor for a recommendation.
Treatment: Hand Eczema
Alitretinoin, a
relative of vitamin A, can improve or even clear up this condition when
other treatments don't work. It hasn’t yet been approved by the FDA for
this use. It can give you headaches or dry, flushing, or sun-sensitive
skin. Alitretinoin can cause severe birth defects, so you should not
plan to get pregnant when you take it. It also helps to wear gloves
outside in winter to protect your hands.
condition
when other treatments don't work. It hasn’t yet been approved by the
FDA for this use. It can give you headaches or dry, flushing, or
sun-sensitive skin. Alitretinoin can cause severe birth defects, so you
should not plan to get pregnant when you take it. It also helps to wear
gloves outside in winter to protect your hands.
18
/
25
Phototherapy
UV light affects
the immune system. In some people, it can improve moderate to severe
cases of eczema from atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. “PUVA” is a
UV treatment combined with a drug called psoralen. But it doesn’t work
for everyone, and it makes some people's eczema worse. Also, too much UV
light is bad for your skin. So you should talk to your doctor about the
risks and benefits.
Treatments for Children
Keep your child's
fingernails short and their skin moisturized. Dress them in
loose-fitting clothes and make sure they don't become overheated.
Depending on how severe the condition is, your doctor may recommend
corticosteroids to treat atopic dermatitis. There are also prescription
skin treatments, pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic), for
children 2 years old and up.
Bleach Baths
A small amount of
household bleach in the bath may help control atopic dermatitis if
someone has a staph infection, too. In one study, children with moderate
to severe atopic dermatitis and staph soaked in diluted bleach baths
and used an antibiotic ointment in their noses. These treatments
improved their skin symptoms. Parents should talk to a dermatologist or
other doctor first.
Natural Treatments
Some research shows
that probiotics, oolong tea, or Chinese herbal medicine may ease
symptoms. But other studies haven’t backed that up. Herbs and
supplements can have side effects, so talk to your doctor first. Things
that lower stress are a good idea to try.
Natural Treatments
Some research shows
that probiotics, oolong tea, or Chinese herbal medicine may ease
symptoms. But other studies haven’t backed that up. Herbs and
supplements can have side effects, so talk to your doctor first. Things
that lower stress are a good idea to try.
22
/
25
Eczema and Infections
Almost all people with atopic dermatitis have “staph” (Staphylococcus aureus)
bacteria on their skin, compared with just about 5% of people without
the skin condition. Tell your doctor about symptoms of an infection,
such as honey-colored crusts, pus- or fluid-filled blisters, scaly red
patches, swelling, or a fever.
Dry Skin Care
Even when the
eczema eases up, your skin may still be dry. Take short daily baths in
warm water. Pat your skin partially dry and use a thick moisturizer, as
well as any medication right after your bath. Moisturize throughout the
day and stick to mild soaps or cleansers. Look for fragrance-free
products to help prevent a reaction. Remember, "unscented" may just mean
the product contains another ingredient to mask the scent.
Living With Eczema
Does your child
feel self-conscious about his rashes? Help him avoid triggers and tame
stress. The American Academy of Dermatology hosts Camp Discovery for
kids with skin conditions. Adults with the condition may need to make
some changes. Jobs that need a lot of hand-washing or involve exposure
to chemicals or other irritants -- such as health care, housecleaning,
or hairdressing -- may not be a good choice if you have eczema.
You Can’t Catch It
Red, itchy eczema
patches may look contagious, but they’re not. “Eczema is basically an
allergy in the skin that starts out as an itch that turns into a rash,”
says Jennifer Haley, MD, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ, who had the
condition as a child. Just like you can’t catch someone else’s hay
fever, you can’t catch eczema.
