Prevention

If your baby is at risk for atopic dermatitis because you or other family members have it or other allergies, these steps may help prevent a rash or reduce its severity:

• If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least 6 months. Breast-feeding can boost your baby's immune system.
• When you are ready to give your child solid foods, talk with your doctor. Ask if your child should avoid foods that often cause food allergies, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, and wheat.

For information on preventing flares, see Home Treatment.

Home Treatment

Home treatment for atopic dermatitis includes taking care of your skin and avoiding things that irritate it.

Take care of your skin

• Avoid dry skin. Keep your skin hydrated through proper bathing and use of moisturizers.

  Atopic Dermatitis: Taking Care of Your Skin

• Avoid things that irritate a rash or make it worse, such as soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or bedding.
• Avoid possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse, such as dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods. For more information on food allergies, see the topic Food Allergies.

Control itching and scratching

• Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when scratching.
• Use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching the area.
• Try coal tar preparations. When applied to the skin, they may help reduce itching. But if your itching gets worse after using coal star, stop using it..

Avoid sun and stress

• Exposure to natural sunlight can be helpful for atopic dermatitis, but it is important to avoid sunburn. Too much sun, sweating, and/or getting too hot also can irritate the skin. When you use a sunscreen, choose one for sensitive skin.
• Reduce stress to help your skin and keep rashes from getting worse. Try relaxation techniques, behavior modification, or biofeedback. Massage therapy is also helpful, especially in children.

Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation