Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema, also called children's eczema and atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common forms of eczema. In atopic eczema, the skin becomes dry, itchy and inflamed. Moisturizer is important for both the prevention and treatment of atopic eczema.

Cause of atopic eczema

The cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but the skin disease is highly hereditary and often occurs together with allergies and asthma. Around 60% of children with atopic eczema have one or more allergies at the same time.

Other factors that may be important for the development of atopic eczema are house dust mites, pollen, animal hair, air pollution, smoking by the mother, duration of the breastfeeding period and consumption of foods with coloring and additives.

Symptoms of atopic eczema

Atopic eczema causes itchy, dry and inflamed skin. Eczema can be on large or small areas of skin, and is often located in different places on the body depending on age.

• Infants (< 2 years): Moist eczema often on the cheeks and scalp, but less often in the nappy area

• Children (2-12 years): The eczema moves to smaller skin areas such as skin folds, knees, elbows and wrists and ankles, and is often dry and very itchy

• Adults: The eczema is often dry and scaly, and is often found on the hands, face, neck and on the flexor side of joints in the arms and legs

Good advice for atopic eczema

• Always use mild soaps, shower oils or washing creams, preferably without perfume. Here you will find a list of current products.

• Avoid too hot water and do not bathe or shower for too long

• Pat the skin dry after washing - do not rub yourself dry

• Lubricate the skin regularly with an oily and moisture-retaining moisturizer. See the list of products for eczema and dry skin here.

• If the skin is thickened, you can use carbamide cream or salicylic acid vaseline (not on cracked skin).

• Good hygiene prevents skin infection

• Wheat bran baths can relieve itching. When bran gets into hot water, substances are released that act as an itch reliever. Take a couple of handfuls of wheat bran in a cloth bag and soak the bag in a pot of hot water. Then mix the contents with the bath water. The bag can also be pulled directly into the bath water. Then bathe for approx. 15 minutes

• Wear clothes made from natural materials such as cotton or silk rather than synthetic materials

• If you are periodically bothered by severe itching, try to avoid activities that lead to a lot of sweating

Treatment of atopic eczema

Self-treatment:

Use a moisturizing, protective and oily moisturizer. Apply well in the morning and evening, and always after a shower/bath. It is important to use moisturizer even during good periods. An overview of our products for dry, sensitive and eczema skin can be found here.

For milder eczema, you can try an over-the-counter cortinone cream/ointment 1%. In the case of more widespread eczema, you should contact a doctor to get a prescription cream/ointment. Cortisone preparations should always be applied in a thin layer. Apply a good moisturizer approx. 10 minutes after application

For itching, there are anti-itch creams and liniments you can try. See a list of such products here.

Potassium permanganate can be used for eczema that is inflamed. Potassium permanganate is diluted in the bath water. Bath for approx. 10-20 minutes once a day until the infection is under control (usually 5-7 days). Please note that potassium permanganate can discolour skin, bathtubs and clothes

Prescription treatment:

Ointment, cream or liniment with cortisone is available in four different strengths/classes. Your doctor will determine what is best for you. Both age, the extent of the eczema, localization and irritation will be important when choosing cortisone treatment. Always follow your doctor's dosage. Apply a good moisturizer approx. 10 minutes after application. Some of the cortisone creams have an antiseptic substance added that prevents bacteria from multiplying

There are also immunosuppressive creams/ointments, which can be used as an alternative to cortisone treatment

Antihistamines or other antipruritic agents may be considered by your doctor