Home Treatment

Home treatment for atopic dermatitis may include:

• Avoiding dry skin. People with atopic dermatitis have overly sensitive skin, so it is important that you take care of your skin. Keep your skin hydrated through proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes bathing in warm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath oils, and using soap only on the underarms, groin, and feet on a regular basis. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing, even while your skin is still wet. For more information, see:

  Atopic dermatitis: Taking care of your skin.

• Avoiding irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or bedding.
• Avoiding possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse. These may include dust and dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, or soy products. Talk to your doctor first to determine whether allergens are contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information on food allergies, see the topic Food Allergies.
• Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent him or her from scratching the area. Coal tar preparations applied to the skin also may help reduce itching.