Atopic Skin 101

What Is Atopic Skin?

If you are an adult with Atopic Dermatitis or have a child with the disease, you know firsthand how it makes the skin crawl with uncontrollable itching, dryness and sensitivity. It may help to know that you’re not alone: over 17 million Americans suffer from this severe form of Eczema, which shows up as red, scaly rash that usually appears on face and/or body. It may also be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

Extreme itch is a top symptom, which can trigger a vicious cycle of scratching, inflammation and bleeding. These rashy flare-ups also interfere with your body’s ability to protect itself and retain moisture, and your skin may develop painful cracks and fissures—and lead to infection.

Skin Smarts

Recognizing The Difference

Eczema is a general term to describe an itchy rash or inflammation of skin. It originates from a Greek word meaning "to erupt" or "to boil.”
Atopic means "prone to allergy" and describes a severe form, and most common type of Eczema.

Did You Know

Over 30 million Americans¹ suffer from Eczema, an inflammation of the skin that causes dryness, itching, redness, sleep deprivation and a host of other adverse effects.

ATOPIC TIPS

Managing Atopic Skin

Good skin care habits will protect your skin and minimize rashy, itchy outbreaks. Follow the tips below to help keep hydrated.

Promote an Ideal Healing Environment

STOP THE BLEEDING

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth, tissue or gauze.

CLEANSE THE LESION

Use water to help maintain a clean area around the wound.

USE A TREATMENT CREAM

Creams with antibacterial properties help promote healing.

BE PATIENT

Healing process takes time, it may take months and even up to a year.

FEED YOUR SKIN

Vitamins C and A, found in fruits and vegetables, are essential nutrients for the healing process.

Avoid Common Mistakes

DON’T DRY OUT A WOUND

Keeping skin hydrated speeds up healing and minimize potential scarring, so cover it with ointment and a bandage.

AVOID THE SUN

Protect any surgical scars with high protection sunscreen, formulated for delicate areas, to prevent hyperpigmentation.

DON’T PICK OR SCRATCH A SCAB

Scabs act as a natural protective band aid while skin heals underneath.

Did You Know

70% of people with Atopic Dermatitis have a family history of the condition2.

Atopic Tips

Where It Appears

Face: Chin and cheeks
Trunk: Chest and back
Limbs: Outer arms and legs
In folds and creases: Neck, wrists, elbow
Areas that bend: Inner elbows and knees

How To Massage Atopic skin

Step-By-Step Instructions

Soothe and hydrate from head-to-toe with this recommended technique. Get maximum benefits by making it a regular part of the post-bath, pre-bedtime.

Warm an emollient cream in your hands. Starting with legs, gently apply cream, massaging from ankles to thighs.

Rub arms, applying gentle pressure from wrist to armpits.

Place both palms on the tummy and make upward circular motions. When you reach the neck, encircle hands around shoulders.

In a sitting position, lightly rub back and nape of the neck, going all the way up to ears.

Gently sweep fingers along contours of the face.

Finish with hands and feet, applying light pressure with your thumbs.

Did You Know

An emollient is an ingredient that increases moisture levels; look for essential fatty acids to help restore skin's barrier.

Atopic Tips

Break The Itch-Scratch Cycle

Atopic skin is extremely itchy, so the natural instinct is to scratch it. However, the more you rub your skin, the more damaged and itchy it becomes.

SKIN HEALTH

ABCDE’s of Dry, Itchy

Although scratching provides temporary relief, it compromises skin's protective function, allowing for allergens and irritants to break through which triggers more itching. Practice these ABCDE's to help break the cycle.

Allergies

Food allergies are very common in young children with Eczema. Your doctor may recommend evaluating allergies to determine whether any foods should be eliminated from the diet.

Bath Time

A bath is meant to cleanse and prepare skin for cream, but can be a source of irritation since soap and water can strip the skin. Use a gentle soap-free cleanser, keep bath time short (10 minutes, tops) and water warm (93˚F, max) to prevent itching.

Carpet, Curtains And Cottons

Dust mites are a major trigger, so avoid fabrics that harbor them like carpet and curtains. Wear soft fabrics, like cotton, that won’t irritate skin, and be sure to wash with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.

Distractions

Keep little hands busy with fun activities so they aren’t tempted to scratch. Toys like blocks, puzzles or crayons can help distract your child during itchy moments. You should also keep your child’s fingernails trim and short to minimize damage.

Emolients

The best time to apply an emollient moisturizer is when skin is still damp because it helps trap extra water. Use a nourishing cream or balm, free of parabens and fragrance, to help restore essential moisture.