Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that causes intense itching and then a red, raised Reference rash Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. It usually develops in early childhood and continues into the teen years. Adults also may have it or have milder symptoms than they did as children, along with sensitive-skin problems.

If you have atopic dermatitis, your skin is very sensitive to irritants and is prone to becoming itchy and developing a rash. Scratching may seem to relieve the itch. But scratching often results in a rash and leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of itching, scratching, and rash.

Skin affected by atopic dermatitis (atopic skin) must be kept well hydrated. Although researchers have yet to fully understand the causes of atopic dermatitis, it is known that skin dryness plays a big part in symptoms getting worse.

Dry, atopic skin:

• Is overly sensitive to irritants.
• Is less able to hold moisture.

Keeping the skin hydrated makes atopic skin:

• Less sensitive to irritants.
• More responsive to medicine treatment.

Good skin care is an essential part of controlling the itch and rash of atopic dermatitis. To help prevent a cycle of scratching, itching, and rash, keep your skin hydrated and identify and avoid skin irritants.

Keeping your skin hydrated

To care for your skin:

• Soak in clean, lukewarm water for 3 to 5 minutes. Your skin will absorb water and still retain its natural oils. Losing the natural oils makes the skin drier. You may shower when atopic dermatitis is under control or when an outbreak is mild.
• Avoid washing with soap during every bath. When soap is needed, use a gentle, nondrying product, such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Aveeno. Use soap regularly only on the underarms, groin, and feet, and rinse immediately afterward. Don't let children affected by atopic dermatitis sit in soapy water.
• Avoid adding bath oils and bubble bath to the bathwater, because they can reduce your skin's ability to absorb water.
• Avoid using scrub brushes or washcloths.
• Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. While your skin is still moist or even wet, apply a moisturizer immediately—within 3 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. Waiting longer allows the skin to dry out.
• Apply the moisturizer several times a day.
• In warm, humid climates, greasy lotions or moisturizers may block sweat glands and make your skin uncomfortable. For greater comfort, use:
  • An oil-free moisturizer, such as Cetaphil.
  • Cream-based medicines and cream moisturizers, such as CeraVe.
• Talk to your doctor about using a wet bandage over the affected area. It can help relieve symptoms but may not be a good idea if medicine is being used on the skin.

Moisturizers include Aquaphor, Eucerin, or Purpose. Or you may want to try a Reference skin barrier repair moisturizer Opens New Window, such as CeraVe or TriCeram, that can help with burning, itching, and redness. For severe dryness, try petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or an all-vegetable shortening such as Crisco.

Avoiding skin irritants

Try to avoid skin irritants, such as:

• Many soaps, lotions, and perfumes. Use a fragrance-free mild laundry detergent when you wash clothes, and rinse the clothes twice.
• Scratchy clothing or bedding, such as wool and some acrylics. Cottons and cotton blends may be more comfortable.
• Places with low humidity.
• Sunburn.
• Sudden changes of temperature.
• Excessive sweating. Choose clothing and bedding fabrics that air can flow through easily. This will keep sweat from building up on your skin and irritating it.
• Exercising in the heat of the day. Swimming may be a good choice for exercise. But be sure to wash and moisturize right away after pool use. The chemicals used in swimming pools can be irritating.
• Emotional stress.

For more information about skin care for atopic dermatitis, talk to your:

• Doctor, Reference nurse practitioner Opens New Window, or Reference physician assistant Opens New Window.
• Reference Dermatologist Opens New Window.
• Reference Allergist (immunologist) Opens New Window.

If you would like more information on skin care for atopic dermatitis, the following resources are available:

Organizations