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Atopic Dermatitis - Home Treatment
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
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Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Home treatment for atopic dermatitis may include:
- Avoiding dry skin. People with atopic dermatitis have overly sensitive skin, so it is important that you take care of your skin. Keep your skin hydrated through proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes bathing in lukewarm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath oils, and using soap only on the underarms, groin, and feet on a regular basis. Apply a moisturizer right away after bathing, even while your skin is still wet. For more information, see:
- Avoiding irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or bedding.
- Avoiding possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These may include dust and dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, or soy products. Talk to your doctor first to determine whether allergens are contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information on food allergies, see the topic Food Allergies.
- Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching the area. Coal tar preparations applied to the skin also may help reduce itching.
Exposure to natural sunlight can be helpful for atopic dermatitis, but it is important to avoid sunburn. Too much sun, sweating, and/or getting too hot also can irritate the skin. When you use a sunscreen, choose one for sensitive skin.
Reducing stress can help your skin. Emotional factors don't cause atopic dermatitis, but they can cause immune reactions that make your skin problems worse. Try relaxation techniques, behavior modification, or biofeedback. Massage therapy is also helpful, especially in children. For more information, see:
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 30, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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