Eczema Outbreaks

Winter is bad for skin, especially for babies who have most sensitive skin. The dry indoor air and freezing outdoor temperature can cause eczema, as known as atopic dermatitis, characterized by redness, itchy and the outbreak of lesions (wordnik.com)(Cleveland Clinic). The cause of eczema is unknown and it has been suggested that immune system plays an important role. Eczema needs to be diagnosed by physicians and both over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available (medicine net).

Management of eczema or dry itch skin includes:

• See Pediatrician if there are signs of infection (Eczema Net).
  
  
  
  • Honey-colored crusting and pus-filled blisters.
    
  
  
  • Redness
    
  
  
  • Swelling/inflammation
    
  
  
  • Fever
    
  
  
  • Lesions that resemble cold sores or fever blisters.
    
    
    



• Drink enough water and avoid dehydration.
  
  
  

  
  

• Short bath: 10 minutes, and apply moisturizer immediately after bath as recommended.
  
• Mild soaps: cetaphil and oilatum AD
  
  
  
• Lukewarm water (NOT hot water): 90-100 degree F.
  
  
• Use tissue with moisturizing lotion for wiping the nose: such as, Puffs plus with Lotion Soothes.
  
  

• Do NOT overheat your baby by dressing them in too many layers. They prefer colder temperature comparing to adults.


• Wear cotton clothing only: wool or other scratchy fabric can induce irritation.

• Wash clothes with a detergent –free cleanser such as Dreft Laundry detergent.
  
  
  

  
  

• Do not use dryer sheets. They leave an irritating film on clothing (Dr. Reddy.com).
  

• Use Humidifier (45-55%).
  
  


• Avoid scratching: scratching makes skin red and inflamed. Scatching can break the skin and incrase the risk of infection (Staphylococcus aureus). It can become a vicious cycle if scratching and rash persist. Keep fingernails short for your kids.
  
  


• Bleach baths: Bleach baths used once or twice a week (WebMD), can keep recurrence of staphylococcus infections.


• Avoid house dust mites: Eczema sufferers have dead skin which provides food supply for the dust mites.
  
  

A list of thing can reduce house dust mites (eczemaallergy.net)

• Hypoallergic mattress protector or foam/latex mattress
  


• Bed linen: wash at high temperature once a week at least.
  


• Furniture: Leather sofa collects less dust. Wash covers and curtains.
  


• Vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers.
  


• Freeze toys for a few hours to kill dust mites.
  

• Apply cortisone anti-itch cream
  

Some eczema may caused by food allergy. Figure out the source of allergy and avoid eating them.