How do I manage my atopic dermatitis on a daily basis?

Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:

Taking the following steps can help you to manage atopic dermatitis and prevent flare-ups of your condition:

Follow smart skin care habits. Bathe with lukewarm water. Use mild soap or a cleanser recommended by your doctor. After bathing, let your skin air dry or pat it gently with a towel. Apply a cream, ointment, or other lubricant to your skin as your doctor advises.
Take medications as prescribed. If your doctor has given you medication, take pills or apply topical treatments on schedule and try to avoid missing doses.
Cut down on stress. Emotional stress and anxiety can irritate atopic dermatitis. Find a way to lower your stress level, such as meditation or yoga.
Avoid irritants. When possible, limit your exposure to environmental triggers that worsen your atopic dermatitis.

Ask your doctor or dermatologist about how to manage your symptoms of atopic dermatitis on a daily basis.

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Taking the following steps can help you to manage atopic dermatitis and prevent flare-ups of your condition: Follow smart skin care habits. Bathe with lukewarm water. Use mild soap or a cleanser recommended by your doctor. After bathing, let... More

Managing atopic dermatitis on a daily basis requires a better understanding of the disease, a good relationship with your doctor, and a joint effort to identify the triggers that are causing your flare-ups. This may mean creating a specific skin care regimen using mild cleansers and moisturizers, and limiting bathing. You should also work to identify your atopic dermatitis triggers so you can avoid them whenever possible. Common triggers include stress, irritating clothing, and changes in humidity.

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Managing atopic dermatitis on a daily basis requires a better understanding of the disease, a good relationship with your doctor, and a joint effort to identify the triggers that are causing your flare-ups. This may mean creating a specific skin... More

Healthwise answered:

Home treatment for atopic dermatitis includes taking care of your skin and avoiding things that irritate it.

Take care of your skin

Keep your skin hydrated through bathing in warm (not hot) water and applying moisturizer right afterwards.
Avoid things that irritate a rash or make it worse, such as soaps that dry the skin, perfumes and scratchy clothing or bedding.
Avoid possible allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse, such as dust mites, animal dander and certain foods.

Control itching and scratching

Keep your fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when you scratch it.
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.
Try coal tar preparations. When applied to the skin, they may help reduce itching. But if your itching gets worse after using coal star, stop using it.

Avoid sun and stress

Exposure to natural sunlight can be helpful for atopic dermatitis, but it is important to avoid sunburn. Too much sun, sweating, and/or getting too hot also can irritate the skin. When you use a sunscreen, choose one for sensitive skin.
Reduce stress to help your skin and keep rashes from getting worse. Try relaxation techniques, behavior modification, or biofeedback. Massage therapy is also helpful, especially in children.