Eczema

Your health care provider has diagnosed your child with eczema and has discussed eczema with you. Please follow the instructions your physician has circled below.

Medications

Emollients or moisturizer

Eucerin or Aquaphor ointment, Vaseline, urea creams, coal tar creams. Avoid moisturizers/lotions that contain alcohol

Immunomodulators

tacrolimus (>2 y/o), elidel

Steroid creams or ointments

0.5-1% hydrocortisone or stronger steroid creams/ointments prescribed by your doctor. Apply immediately after bath or shower then cover with moisturizer.

Antihistamines

Benadryl or Atarax (Hydroxyzine). Helps with itching at night but cause drowsiness

Antibiotics

for skin infections

Herbs/Nutrition

Aloe Vera Gel ( 100%)

applied to skin 2 -3 x/day can be a great moisturizer and helps the skin to heal more effectively.

Herbal compresses

containing oatmeal, chamomile, calendula

Baths

with baking soda or 1-2 cups of oatmeal in a sock

Evening primrose oil

grams daily for severe, recurrent eczema

Essential fatty acids

flax seed, herring, mackerel, salmon at least once a week

Vitamin C

50-75mg a day

Yogur

eat daily while pregnant and nursing. For formula-fed babies use Lactobacillus GG, L. casei or Bifidobacterium twice daily. Older children should eat yogurt regularly. New studies have confirmed that mothers who have Lactobacillus daily during their last trimester of pregnancy can reduce their child's risk of developing eczema .

Breastfeed

No solids before 4-6 months of age. Introduce no more than one food per week. Talk to nutritionist about elimination diet for severe extensive eczema

Environment

• Keep bedrooms cool and don't overdress
• Sufficient sleep to maintain immune system
• Sunlight may improve symptoms
• Rub ice cube instead of scratching
• Keep fingernails short
• Mild laundry detergent without fragrances or softeners
• Rinse clothing well to remove soap residues
• Bathe 1-3 times a week instead of daily and soap only armpits, groin and feet
• Use mild moisturizing soaps (Dove, Camay)
• Use tepid (not hot) water
• Put 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in bath-water
• Pat, rather than rub, the skin dry after bath
• Apply emollient immediately after bathing
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• Avoid bubble baths
• Humidifier in bedroom
• Avoid smoking
• Minimize exposure to allergens - use high filtration vacuum, hypoallergenic mattress covers, dust thoroughly

Return to clinic or call your health care professional if condition worsens or does not improve in 4 weeks or you have any questions or concerns.