Treating Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a form of skin condition which is a form of dermatitis. The difference with this form of eczema from dermatitis is that it is most likely caused by exposure of the individual to allergens. People who have atopic eczema may also have other allergies such as hay fever.

This skin condition usually manifests itself around the age of five years old and below. In many cases, the children will eventually not be affected by atopic eczema as they grow older but there are cases of adult having this skin condition as well. Experts believe that genes have something to do with the cause of this condition in people. Other factors to atopic eczema may be the climate, allergens, pollution and diet.

Symptoms of Atopic Eczema

The various symptom of atopic eczema may seem very trivial to some and very common but when put together; they will show signs of eczema. Some of these symptoms are perennially dry skin, red or inflamed creases and skin folds and junctions and having itchy, weepy skin.

Controlling Atopic Eczema

Treating this skin condition may involve several processes. These steps start with avoiding the irritants or allergens that may trigger the eczema. Atopic eczema may be genetically passed from one family member to another but it is an allergic reaction to something in the environment. These triggers need to be known by the individual so that he can avoid them.

Emollients or moisturizers are an essential part of treating atopic eczema. Moisturizing frequently is necessary to prevent break outs of eczema from happening. The more effective emollients are in the form of ointments and heavy creams. Apply these on the areas that are prone to break outs even if you have no signs of the condition.

Moisturizing must be done several times a day depending on what kind of emollient you are using. The thicker ointments are more effective, therefore they need to be applied only a few times a day compared to the easily absorbed creams.

Step three to controlling your atopic eczema is to use topical corticosteroids to treat inflamed skin. There are several types of corticosteroids that can effectively treat atopic eczema but these can also have some undesirable side effects if applied topically continuously.

This skin condition is not necessarily dangerous but can be painful for many, especially children. Children usually scratch the skin where there is this form of eczema making it weep and become inflamed. Children with this skin condition need to be monitored