8 March 2019 Author : Marta Santalha Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin , characterised by itching, dry skin and red spots (erythema). Symptoms usually occur before the age of 5 and the distribution of the dermatitis (also known as eczema) on the body varies with age. In babies it mainly affects: Arms; Legs; Abdominal region; Face; Scalp. In older children , it mainly affects: Neck; Skin inside the elbows; Back of the knees. What is the treatment for atopic dermatitis in babies and children? Treatment essentially involves frequent hydration of the skin with appropriate products, in order to avoid outbreaks of atopic dermatitis. Looking after atopic dermatitis: Take quick showers in lukewarm water (33°C-34°C); Use unperfumed, soap-free, neutral pH bath gel; Use a soft cotton towel to pat the skin dry (don’t rub), and be sure to clean the baby or child's nails well; After showering, apply a perfume-free hypoallergenic moisturising cream; Clothes in direct contact with the body should be made of cotton. Woven fabrics made from synthetic fibres and wool (which can be trigger factors for dermatitis) should be avoided; Cut out all labels from clothes; Do not put the child in tight clothing or add too many layers, as this can lead to overheating; Avoid very hot, dry and polluted environments; Avoid exposing the child to tobacco smoke; Cut the child’s nails frequently to prevent them from hurting themselves when they scratch the itchy skin that is an inherent part of atopic dermatitis; When washing the baby or child's clothes, avoid using products containing bleach and conditioners, as these can irritate the skin; Keep the house well aired to avoid allergens, such as dust mites. Meet the pediatrics team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
