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Preventing Eczema

It can be difficult to prevent eczema, particularly when there is a strong family history. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces a child’s risk of developing eczema. But if you already have eczema, there are several things you can do to try to control it:

Follow guidelines for limiting house dust mites in bedding.
Avoid direct contact with wool to the skin.
Seek advice from your doctor about any use of “natural” or herbal remedies. Some of these may worsen eczema.
Avoid scratching or rubbing whenever possible.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. Improvement may take several weeks or even months after a new medication is started.
Maintain a cool stable environment and consistent humidity levels.
Recognize and limit emotional stress.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org

The American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org

The National Eczema Society
http://www.eczema.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/

Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html

References:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org .

American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org .

Barnetson RS, Rogers M. Childhood atopic eczema. BMJ . 2002;324:1376-1379.

Brehler R, Hildebrand A, Luger T. Recent developments in treatment of atopic eczema. J Am Acad Dermatol . 1997;36:983-994.

Holscher B, Frye C, Wichmann HE, Heinrich J. Exposure to pets and allergies in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol . 2002;13:334-341.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

Saarinen UM, Kajosaari M. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet . 1995;346:1065-1069.

Wahn U, Bos JD, Goodfield M, et al. Efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream in the long-term management of atopic dermatitis in children. Pediatrics . 2002;110(1 Pt 1):e2.

Last reviewed November 2007 by Ross Zeltser, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Eczema Support Group

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