During flare-ups | Foundation for Atopic Dermatitis
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During flare-ups

Atopic eczema is a pruriginous, chronic inflammatory disorder that is frequent among children and young adults
and evolves in the form of repeated inflammatory flare-ups followed by remissions.

Flare-ups may occur along with tooth eruptions, stress and changes in temperature.
In most cases, topical (local) treatments are effective on flare-ups: the objective is first and foremost to reduce the inflammation and pruritis.

Dermocorticosteroids applied once per day are crucial to reduce the inflammation (generally between four and eight days) and rapidly diminish the red weeping lesions. Used according to the doctor's prescriptions, side effects are very rare.

As a second step and in the case of more severe and resistant eczema, another treatment
(a topical immunosuppressor) can be prescribed
(as an exceptional medication, exclusive to dermatologists and pediatricians).

Dermocorticoids, when applied directly and exclusively to inflammatory lesions, will treat inflammation and redness while emollients, applied
several times a day onto non-inflammatory areas will reduce cutaneous dryness (xerosis), and calm discomfort and itching caused by the dryness.

You can also use a calculation software :

Download user guide of PO-SCORAD* software
Practice your PO-SCORAD*

* PO-SCORAD (Patient Oriented SCOring Atopic Dermatitis) : Allergy. 2011 Aug;66(8):1114-21. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02577.x. Epub 2011 Mar 18.

 

Triggering factors
  • Atopic eczema flare-ups can be triggered upon contact with irritants such as soap, detergents, rough fabric, certain foods, heat or sweat.
     
  • A too dry atmosphere, dental eruptions, certain changes from daily habits and stress may also encourage itching and eczema flares.

 

Hygiene recommendations

Taking care of skin when it is irritated is crucial.

To do so, gentle cleansing every days suffices, without rubbing and without getting irritated.
 

  • The temperature of the water should never exceed 34°C.
  • If you prefer a shower, it should not be longer than five minutes, as hard water dries out the skin.
  • If you prefer a bath, it should not exceed 15 minutes. You can add a liquid emollient to the bath water to neutralize the water's hardness. Use lipid-enriched soap (not alkaline) to gently cleanse.
  • Do not use cotton on the face as it can irritate; choose a very gentle cleansing product.
  • Remove the excess with a paper tissue or rinse.
  • Finally, it is important to dry by patting gently, as rubbing can reactivate the pruritis.