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Atopic dermatitis

By Anonymous May 25, 2017 - 2:47am
 
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Has left me badly scarred. Used to attack arms, shoulders and back of neck but has spread to scalp and other parts of the body. Itching is intense. Is it treatable? (It's very slow to heal.) Is it worse during certain times of the year? I live in the South in a very humid climate. Can it ever be gotten rid of?

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Guide

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community.

Atopic dermatitis or AD is the most common type of eczema. In fact, 17.8 million Americans have AD, which often appears as a red, itchy rash normally on the cheeks, arms and legs.

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis (eczema) is unknown. Healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema is likely related to a mix of factors:

Dry, irritable skin, which reduces the skin's ability to be an effective barrier
A gene variation that affects the skin's barrier function
Immune system dysfunction
Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, on the skin that creates a film that blocks sweat glands
Environmental conditions

The Mayo Clinic offers these suggestions.

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:

Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. Options include nonprescription allergy medicines (antihistamines) — such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra). Also, diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) may be helpful if itching is severe. But it can make you drowsy, so it's better for bedtime.
Take a bleach bath. A diluted-bleach bath decreases bacteria on the skin and related infections. Add 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) of household bleach, not concentrated bleach, to a 40-gallon (151-liter) bathtub filled with warm water — measures are for a U.S.-standard-sized tub filled to the overflow drainage holes.

Soak from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for about 10 minutes. Do not submerge the head. Rinse, pat dry and moisturize. Take a bleach bath no more than two or three times a week.

Apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area. A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, can temporarily relieve the itch. Apply it to the affected area before you moisturize. Once your reaction has improved, you may use this type of cream less often to prevent flare-ups.
Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Use a moisturizer all over while your skin is still damp from a bath or shower. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body. If your skin is already dry, consider using oil or lubricating cream.
Avoid scratching. Cover the itchy area if you can't keep from scratching it. Trim nails and wear gloves at night.
Apply cool, wet compresses. Covering the affected area with bandages and dressings helps protect the skin and prevent scratching.
Take a warm bath. Sprinkle the bath water with baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal that is made for the bathtub (Aveeno, others). Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then pat dry and apply medicated lotions, moisturizers or both (use the medicated form first).
Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes. Be sure to rinse the soap completely off your body.
Use a humidifier. Hot, dry indoor air can parch sensitive skin and worsen itching and flaking. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace adds moisture to the air inside your home. Keep your humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Wear cool, smooth-textured cotton clothing. Reduce irritation by avoiding clothing that's rough, tight, scratchy or made from wool. Also, wear appropriate clothing in hot weather or during exercise to prevent excessive sweating.
Treat stress and anxiety. Stress and other emotional disorders can worsen atopic dermatitis. Acknowledging those and trying to improve your emotional health can help.

Regards,
Maryann

May 25, 2017 - 8:17am
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