Atopic dermatitis: Tips for managing

Tips for Managing Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

It can be difficult for parents to know what to do to help ease a child’s discomfort. There is so much conflicting information available about atopic dermatitis (AD). The following facts and tips can help you make an informed decision:

There is currently no cure for AD. It is easy to find products that guarantee to cure eczema in just a few weeks. These claims give parents false hope. The truth is AD cannot be cured. Most cases can be controlled with proper treatment.
Dermatologists recommend early treatment. AD can be a chronic (long-lasting) condition. Receiving proper treatment early helps prevent the disease from becoming worse. The more severe eczema becomes, the more difficult it is to control.
For best results, combine treatment with skin care and prevention. Many parents and patients are looking for that one treatment or thing that delivers relief. Studies show that the best way to control AD is to combine:
- Skin care
- Treatment
- Prevention (Stop doing things that irritate the skin.)
The medicines that dermatologists prescribe are safe when used as directed. This fact is often difficult for parents to believe. The information that comes with topical (applied to the skin) medicine prescribed for eczema contains warnings that can be frightening.

The American Academy of Dermatology believes these warnings confuse and unnecessarily worry people. Studies prove that with proper use, topical (applied to the skin) pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are not dangerous. When applied to the skin, virtually none of the medicine gets inside the body. When used properly, the medicines reduce the debilitating effect of eczema and allow millions of people to live normal lives.
Alternative therapies are not a substitute for proven medical treatment. A completely safe, all-natural treatment that eliminates eczema certainly sounds wonderful. If such a therapy existed, your dermatologist would tell you. The truth is that there are thousands of alternative treatments. This suggests that we do not have a natural treatment that works very well.
See a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Some skin conditions can look like AD. Without the right diagnosis, treatment may not work.

A dermatologist can create a treatment plan that meets the patient’s unique needs. A dermatologist also can help you find skin care products that help. Patients with AD have very sensitive skin. Many ingredients found in skin care products can irritate their sensitive skin.

If a patient has AD and hay fever or asthma, a dermatologist can refer the patient to an allergist. Finding allergens (what a person is allergic to) can help. Sometimes eliminating allergens brings great relief when combined with the right treatment, skin care, and other preventive measures.

Are the shots that treat hay fever and other allergies useful?

Allergy shots have not proven helpful for AD. Shots may even make AD worse. There is an exception. If the shots treat a patient's lung allergies, the skin may get better. Before trying allergy shots, be sure to talk with a dermatologist.

Support groups and other resources

National Eczema Association
Offers support groups and telephone support for people living with atopic dermatitis

Other resources from the American Academy of Dermatology
Camp Discovery
The American Academy of Dermatology operates this free summer camp exclusively for kids living with a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease.

Eczema: Itchy Skin
This website, KidsSkinHealth, offers information in language that kids can understand.

EczemaNet
This webiste offers information about atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Learn more about atopic dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis: Tips AAD