Atopic Dermatitis –Prevention and Home Remedies

Atopic Dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs in infants and children. It is non-contagious. I have dry skin so I think my LO takes it from me (not happy though).

Everywhere in the web it says Atopic Dermatitis is itchy and flaky my LO had it recently and *touchwood* it was not itchy and that bad. So here are some of my observations and how you need to treat it rightaway to avoid severe eczema. The cause is not really known, my doctor says its sometimes in the air and some food also can cause this condition or trigger.

How does it Look:

It starts with round or oval pink/reddish patches, then it flares up a little. When treated it turns into brown/dark brown patches and then turns white and later vanishes. So note down all the colors and figure out which stage your baby is in.

Areas affected:

Sadly there is no particular spot it can occur everywhere. For my LO (little one) it started in the nappy areas (so I first thought diaper rash), moved to the sides then back and lastly chin.

Prevention:

Moisturize your kids well in winter and use a mild PH neutral soap like Cetaphil, Sebamed, Tedibar, etc.
If its due to a food allergy just check what are the new foods that you introduced. Milk, Eggs and Nuts are triggers.

Medical Treatment:

I have visited the doctor and there is no specific treatment for Atopic dermatitis. They suggested a cream called Desonide (steroid so plzzzz consult your doctor).Only a thin layer should be applied on flare ups if it’s very bad.

Calamine Lotion to calm the itch.

Moisturizer and a neutral PH soap , since I was using the right products I did not need a change. I just had to increase the number of times I moisturize my LO.

I use Tedibar soap and Cetaphil moisturizers both are reviewed on the blog.

You can also use Atogla Lotion which is made specifically for Atopic Dermatitis or this lotion can be used regularly. My next post is on the Lotion do checkout the review.

Home Remedy:

What more than the very humble coconut oil which has a calming effect on the skin. Massage your baby with coconut oil before bath, drop a little in the bath. It really helps. Other than that moisturize, moisturize and again moisturize. That’s the only thing which will keep Atopic dermatitis at bay.

For Nursing Moms:

Start a dosage of fish oil capsules and have probotic drinks like yakult for a week it really helps.