About this topic
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is a common skin problem that looks like a rash. It is often itchy. The skin becomes red and swollen when scratched. This may be a long-term condition. The eczema may get worse in the winter when the air is cold and dry. The dyes in lotions or soaps may make eczema worse. So can taking long hot showers or baths and washing your hands too much. Stress and contact with rough materials or chemicals can also make it worse. Some people have eczema that is affected by allergies or heredity. ‚
It is important to treat eczema as soon as possible. This may help keep it from getting worse. You cannot catch eczema from someone else. It is more common in babies and children, but adults may have it as well. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep a written list of the drugs you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your drugs or the pill bottles when you see your doctor. Learn why you take each drug. Do not take any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first discussing this with your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about skin care.
- Ask what creams or lotions are best for you to use.
- Ask how long you should use them.
- Use mild and unscented soap, moisturizers, and deodorants.
- Avoid direct contact with the things that can bother your skin.
- Use products without dyes or chemicals.
- Use products without alcohol or a scent.
- Some people are bothered by wool or synthetic fabrics. Other things that may bother your skin are:
- Household cleaners, detergents, or soaps
- Aftershave, lotions, or perfumes
- Fabric softening products
- Prevent scratching.
- Wear gloves to protect skin on your hands. Try wearing cotton gloves under plastic gloves. Remove both sets of gloves from time to time to prevent sweating.
- Bathe with cool or warm water. Do not use hot water. Pat yourself dry with a clean, thick, soft towel.
- Stay hydrated.
- Keep nails short and clean. If you scratch in your sleep, wear white cotton gloves to bed. Try using cool compresses on the skin. They may help with swelling and itching. Dip a cloth in cold water and put it right on your itchy skin.
- Learn how to handle stress. Changing your activities may help lower stress. Your doctor can help you learn how to cope with stress.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make office visits to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Soften and add moisture to your skin
- Control itching or allergy
- Help with swelling and redness
- Loosen and remove scaly lesions
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may still be active with eczema. Talk to your doctor about the right kind of activity for you. You may want to join a support group or talk with others who have the same illness. Learn how they cope and what activities work well for them. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Long-lasting scarring
- Constant itching
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- A child may be less likely to get eczema if they are breastfed for the first 4 months of life.
- Have good skin hygiene.
- Keep skin moist.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- If you feel depressed
- If you are not sleeping because you are itching
- If your rash has pus or yellow scabs on it
- Your rash flares up after you have been around someone with cold sores or fever blisters
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if my rash has pus or yellow scabs on it.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/atopic-dermatitis ‚
American Academy of Dermatology EczemaNet ‚
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚