Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Who gets atopic dermatitis?

Around the world, between 10% and 20% of children have AD. About 1% to 3% of adults have AD. People of all skin colors get AD. AD is much more common today that it was 30 years ago. Dermatologists are not sure why. They do know that some children have a greater risk of getting AD.

The following seem to increase a child’s risk of getting AD:

— Family members that have AD, asthma, or hay fever: Does the child’s mother or father have AD? Does a parent have asthma or hay fever? A family history of these diseases remains the strongest risk factor. If one or both parents have AD or an allergic condition, the child is much more likely to get AD. Some children get all 3 diseases. Asthma and hay fever usually appear before the age of 30. People often have asthma and hay fever for life.

— Where the child lives: Living in a developed country, city (especially one with higher levels of pollution), or a cold climate sees to increase the risk. For example, Jamaican children living in London are twice as likely develop AD as those who live in Jamaica.

— Gender: Females are slightly more likely than males to get AD.

— Mother’s age when child is born:  When the mother gives birth to the child later in her childbearing years, a child is more likely to get AD.

— Social class: AD seems more common in higher social classes.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Researchers are still studying what causes AD. Through their studies, they have learned that AD:

— Is not contagious: There is no need to worry about catching it or giving it to someone.

— Runs in families: People who get AD usually have family members who have AD, asthma, or hay fever. This means that genes play a role in causing AD. Children are more likely to develop AD if one or both parents have AD, asthma, or hay fever. About half (50%) of the people with severe AD (covers a large area of the body or is very troublesome) will get asthma and about one-third (66%) will get hay fever.

Can certain foods cause atopic dermatitis?

Foods do not cause AD.  But some studies suggest that food allergies can make AD worse.  Children who have AD often have food allergies to these foods – milk and foods that contain mild (e.g., yogurt and cheese), nuts, and shellfish.

Before you stop feeding your child any foods, talk about this with your child’s dermatologist.  Children need certain foods to grow and develop normally.

Researchers continue to study what causes this complex disease.  They believe that many things interact to cause AD.  These things include our genes, where we live, and the way our immune system works.

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.
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Most children’s AD does not have a clear cause, such as an allergy, but most AD will improve with good skin care. These tips from dermatologists can reduce the severity and frequency of your child’s flare-ups.

Bathing Tips

— Bathe your child in warm – not hot – water.
— Limit your child’s time in the bath to 5 or 10 minutes.
— Use cleanser only when needed and make sure the cleanser is mild and fragrance-free. Do not use bubble bath. If your child’s AD is frequently infected, twice-weekly a diluted bleach bath may be beneficial. Discuss this option with your child’s dermatologist.
— After bathing, gently pat your child’s skin partially dry.
— If your child has medicine that you apply to the skin, apply medicine when your child’s skin is almost dry and use the medicine as directed.
— Apply moisturizer on top of the medicine and to the rest of your child’s skin.

Tips for choosing a moisturizer

— When selecting a moisturizer, consider choosing a thick cream or ointment. — — Some children do better with fragrance-free products, so consider petroleum jelly – an inexpensive, fragrance-free product that works well for many children.
— When selecting a product, “trial and error” sampling of different types may help to identify the best moisturizer for your child.

Skin care tips

— For best results, apply moisturizer at least twice a day.  This prevents dryness and cracking.  It also can decrease the need for eczema medications.
— If your child has severe itching and scratching, ask your child’s dermatologist about wet wrap therapy. This can reduce swelling and lessen the desire to scratch.
— Keep your child’s fingernails short and smooth. This decreases the likelihood that scratching will puncture the skin.  Putting cotton gloves on your child’s hand at night may help prevent scratching during sleep.
— Keep temperature and humidity levels comfortable. Avoid situations in which the air is extremely dry or where your child may sweat and overheat. This is the most common trigger of the itch/scratch cycle.

Clothes-washing tips

— Using a laundry detergent made for sensitive skin may be beneficial.  Scented fabric softener or dryer sheets may contribute to irritation.
— Only use the recommended amount of detergent.
— Use enough water for adequate rinsing.
— Buy clothes without tags because tags can rub against the skin, causing irritation.
— Wash your child’s new clothes before wearing.  This will remove excess dyes and fabric finishers, which can irritate the skin.

Good skin care is a key part of gaining control of your child’s eczema.  If skin care has not been a regular part of your child’s treatment, you should make an appointment for your child to see a dermatologist.
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