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Atopic eczema
Definition
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Atopic eczema is the most common type.
Causes
Atopic eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term
inflammation of the skin.
Eczema is most common in infants. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. The condition tends to run in families.
People with eczema often have asthma or hay fever, too. There is often a family history of allergic conditions such as
asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
The following can make eczema symptoms worse:
Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animals
Colds or the flu
Contact with rough materials
Dry skin
Exposure to environmental irritants
Exposure to water
Feeling too hot or too cold
Fragrances or dyes added to skin lotions or soaps
Stress
Symptoms
Typical skin changes may include:
Blisters with oozing and crusting
Ear discharge or bleeding
Raw areas of the skin from scratching
Skin coloring changes -- more or less coloring than the normal skin
Skin redness or inflammation around the blisters
Thickened or leather-like areas, called lichenification, which can occur after long-term irritation and
scratching
Both the type of rash and where the rash appears can depend on the age of the patient:
In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. It is often a crusting,
bubbling, or oozing rash.
In older children and adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows, as well
as the neck, hands, and feet.
During a severe outbreak, rashes may occur anywhere on the body.
Itching, which is sometimes intense, almost always occurs. Itching may start even before the rash appears.
Treatment
SKIN CARE AT HOME
Taking care of your skin at home may reduce the need for medications.
Avoid scratching the rash or skin if you can:
Relieve the itch by using a cold compress and taking antihistamines to reduce severe itching.
Keep your child's fingernails cut short. Consider light gloves if nighttime scratching is a problem.
Keep the skin moist (called lubricating or moisturizing the skin). Use ointments (such as petroleum jelly), creams, or
lotions 2 - 3 times a day. Moisturizers should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances, or other chemicals. A
humidifier in the home will also help.
Avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse. This may include:
Foods such as eggs in a very young child (always discuss with your doctor first)
Irritants such as wool and lanolin
Strong soaps or detergents, as well as chemicals and solvents
Sudden changes in body temperature and stress, which may cause sweating and worsen the condition
Triggers that cause allergy symptoms
When washing or bathing:
Keep water contact as brief as possible and use less soap than usual. Short, cooler baths are better than
long, hot baths.
Do not scrub or dry the skin too hard or for too long.
After bathing, it is important to apply lubricating creams, lotions, or ointment on the skin while it is damp.
This will help trap moisture in the skin.
MEDICATIONS
Antihistamines taken by mouth may help with itching or if you have allergies. Often you can buy them without a
prescription.
Some antihistamines can cause sleepiness, but they may help with scratching while sleeping.
Newer antihistamines cause little or no sleepiness. Some are available over the counter. These medications
include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Most causes of atopic eczema are treated with medications that are placed directly on the skin or scalp (called topical
medicines):
At first, you will probably be prescribed a mild cortisone (or steroid) cream or ointment. If this doesn't work,
you may need a stronger steroid medicine. You may need different strengths of steroids for different areas
of skin.
Medicines called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) may be prescribed for anyone over 2 years old. TIMs
include tacrolimus (protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). Ask your doctor about concerns over a possible
cancer risk with the use of these medicines.
Creams or ointments that contain coal tar or anthralin may be used for thickened areas.
Barrier repair creams containing ceramides
Other medicines that may be used include:
Oral or injected corticosteroids when the eczema is severe
Antibiotic creams or pills if the skin is infected
Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Oral immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate mofetil
Outlook (Prognosis)
Eczema is a chronic condition, but you can control it with treatment, by avoiding irritants, and by keeping the skin
well-moisturized.
In children, it often clears beginning around age 5 - 6, but flare-ups will often occur. In adults, it is generally a longterm or recurring condition.
People with eczema tend to have dry skin that flares up more in the winter, when the air is cold and dry.
Possible Complications
Infections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses
Permanent scars
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
Eczema does not respond to moisturizers or avoiding allergens
Symptoms worsen or treatment is ineffective
You have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, pain)
Prevention
Studies have shown that children who are breast-fed until age 4 months are less likely to get eczema.
If the child is not breast-fed, using a formula that contains processed cow milk protein (called partially hydrolyzed
formula) may decrease the chances of developing eczema.
Eczema tends to run in families.
Keeping the skin well-moisturized and avoiding irritants is important.
For more information, visit the Franciscan Health Library at www.FHSHealth.org/Health_Education.aspx