Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is common in babies and can be stressful for parents. An article in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) describes practical advice for managing this condition.
“Atopic dermatitis affects 10% to 20% of Canadian infants. Recognizing atopic dermatitis, getting it into remission, and then maintaining control can be challenging for both clinicians and caregivers,” says Dr. Derek Chu, assistant professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at McMaster University and co-chair of the upcoming American Academy of Allergy. , Asthma and Immunology and Atopic Dermatitis Guidelines from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “We hope these five key messages for general and specialist care providers, as well as caregivers, will promote best practices for managing atopic dermatitis in infants. Atopic dermatitis affects more than just the skin and affects the whole family, so it is important to optimally manage atopic dermatitis at this critical stage of the baby’s development.”
- Atopic dermatitis on the cheeks, outer extremities, and trunk is common in infants, and classic eczema affecting the back of the knees and elbow creases may not develop until later in childhood.
- The best moisturizer is one that caregivers and patients will use.
- New evidence shows that any type of moisturizer (lotion, cream, gel, or ointment) used at least twice a day helps control atopic dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease that requires anti-inflammatory treatment.
- The lowest dose of topical steroid should be used to control flare-ups.
- Application once a day is as effective as twice a day.
- If flare-ups recur frequently, using topical medications intermittently (two consecutive days, for example, on weekends) may prevent further flare-ups.
- The evidence does not support the routine use of antibiotics to treat local secondary bacterial infection.
- Avoiding foods may not improve eczema and may increase the risk of food allergy.
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