Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, recurring inflammatory disorder of the skin. It is characterized by patchy/dry/itchy/scaly areas of the skin. Eczema is most common in people with a family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis. It is also the most common skin condition for children under the age of 12 and occurs in approximately 10% of all children. More than half of all cases begin during the first year of life with 90% of cases developed by the age of 5.
In infants and toddlers, the areas of skin involved are typically the face, elbows and knees. In older children and adults, areas of involvement are usually the hands, neck, inner elbows, behind the knees and the ankles. It is not contagious. Although it typically becomes less severe as one becomes older, it is a lifelong condition which waxes and wanes.
People with atopic dermatitis (AD) should use a combination of preventive measures and an individualized therapeutic regimen. Maintain short fingernails by cutting fingernails frequently in order to mitigate irritation from scratching affected areas. Avoid any triggers that may cause flare-ups such as:
Apply sparingly to affected areas no more than twice a day and only if needed
May be used anywhere on the body
Apply sparingly to affected areas no more than twice a day and only if needed
In general, unless otherwise instructed by your physician, 1% hydrocortisone cream/ointment is the strongest topical steroid recommended for use on the face and should not be used around the eyes.
If nighttime itching is a problem, then prescribing a sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Atarax (hydroxizine) may be appropriate.