- Reduce itchiness, redness and scaling
- Go longer with normal, non-itchy skin
- Take care of flare-ups before they get worsen
First, Keep in Mind that Avoiding Allergens May Not Help
We have long recommended various strategies to reduce exposure to certain allergens such as reducing dust mites, waiting to give solid foods to infants until they are older, restricting certain foods in the diet for moms who are pregnant or breastfeeding, breastfeeding as long as possible and avoiding pollen.While these strategies seem to make sense based on our knowledge of what causes atopic dermatitis, recent medical studies do not clearly show that they actually help.
But Avoiding Known Triggers Is Helpful
Of course, if certain triggers have caused flare-ups in the past, it makes sense to avoid these triggers. Examples of common triggers include:- Perfumes or scented skin care products
- Exposure to cats or dogs
- Known food allergies -- especially to milk, eggs, peanuts and shellfish
- Heat, perspiration, or low humidity
- Rough clothing, especially wool
- Viral skin infections such as herpes simplex
- Stress and anxiety
How to Minimize Scratching
To break the itch-scratch cycle, you have to stop scratching. For some people this may seem like an almost impossible goal, but here are some things that can help:- Taking antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec can help control itchiness and prevent scratching during sleep
- Cut your nails short
- Wear mittens at night to keep from scratching
- Use loose gauze wraps to protect the skin
- Slather on the right moisturizers to help with itching
Atopic Dermatitis Skin Care
Good skin care for atopic dermatitis is one of the most important measures you can take to keep flare-ups from starting. And if you do have a flare and need to use medication, if you've taken good care of your skin, it will heal faster.Sources:
Boguniewicz, Mark. "Atopic Dermatitis: Beyond the Itch that Rashes." Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America 25(2005): 333-51.
Halvarsson, K, and M. Loden. "Increasing quality of life by improving the quality of skin in patients with atopic dermatitis." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 29(2007): 69-83.
Hanifin, Jon, et al. "Guidelines of Care for Atopic Dermatitis." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 50(2004): 391-404.
Simpson, Eric, and Jon Hanifin. "Atopic Dermatitis." The Medical Clinics of North America 90(2006): 149-167.
