Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a skin condition that causes red, dry, and itchy skin. It often starts in childhood but can happen at any age. People with eczema may get flare-ups that make the skin uncomfortable or even painful. This article explains how to get rid of atopic dermatitis eczema using simple steps and effective treatments.

What is atopic dermatitis eczema

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that affects the skin’s outer layer. This condition makes the skin weak and sensitive. It is not contagious, but it can be very itchy and annoying. Many people with eczema also have allergies, asthma, or hay fever.

Eczema often comes and goes. The skin may be clear for a while and then flare up again. The main signs include:

Red or brownish patches
Itching, sometimes severe
Dry and cracked skin
Small raised bumps that may leak fluid when scratched
Thickened or scaly skin

Eczema can appear on the face, neck, hands, elbows, behind the knees, and other parts of the body.

What causes atopic dermatitis

There is no single cause of atopic dermatitis. It is usually caused by a mix of factors. These include:

Genetics: It often runs in families
Weak skin barrier: The skin loses moisture easily and allows irritants to enter
Immune system problems: The body reacts too strongly to things that are not harmful
Allergies: Dust, pet dander, and food allergies may trigger symptoms
Irritants: Soaps, perfumes, and detergents can cause flare-ups
Weather: Cold, dry air or hot weather can make eczema worse
Stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen symptoms

How to get rid of atopic dermatitis eczema

You can’t always cure eczema completely, but you can manage and reduce the symptoms. Here are some simple and helpful steps to get rid of eczema or make it better.

Keep the skin moisturized

Dry skin is one of the biggest problems for people with eczema. Keeping your skin moisturized is very important. Use a good moisturizer several times a day, especially after washing.

Tips for moisturizing:

Use thick creams or ointments, not lotions
Apply right after bathing while the skin is still damp
Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free products
Keep a small container of cream with you during the day

Some good ingredients to look for:

Petroleum jelly
Ceramides
Shea butter
Glycerin
Colloidal oatmeal

Moisturizing helps rebuild the skin barrier and prevents dryness and itching.

Avoid known triggers

Try to figure out what causes your eczema to flare up. Keeping a journal can help. Write down what you eat, what products you use, and what the weather is like when your eczema gets worse.

Common triggers to avoid:

Harsh soaps and detergents
Scented lotions or perfumes
Dust, mold, and pollen
Pet hair
Wool or rough fabrics
Hot water and long showers
Sweating and overheating

Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Always rinse new clothes before wearing them to remove chemicals.

Take short lukewarm baths or showers

Bathing can actually help your skin if done the right way. Use lukewarm water and avoid hot water, which can dry out your skin.

Tips for bathing:

Limit baths or showers to 5 to 10 minutes
Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel
Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing

Some people benefit from adding oatmeal or baking soda to the bathwater to help calm the skin.

Use topical medicines

If your eczema is not improving with moisturizing and avoiding triggers, your doctor may suggest topical medicines.

These may include:

Corticosteroid creams or ointments: These reduce inflammation and itching. Use only as directed by your doctor.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors: These are non-steroid options like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. They help calm the immune response.

Topical PDE4 inhibitors: Like crisaborole, used for mild to moderate eczema.

Always apply these medicines before moisturizing. Use them only on affected areas and follow instructions carefully.

Consider wet wrap therapy

Wet wrap therapy helps very dry and inflamed skin. It involves wrapping the skin in wet bandages or cloths after applying medicine and moisturizer.

Steps for wet wrap:

Soak the cloths in warm water
Apply medicine and moisturizer on the skin
Wrap the wet cloths around the affected area
Cover with a dry layer of cloth
Leave it on for a few hours or overnight

Wet wrap helps the skin absorb moisture and medicine better. It can give quick relief from itching and redness.

Try antihistamines for itching

If your itching is severe, especially at night, an antihistamine may help. These medicines help reduce allergic reactions and can make you sleepy, which may help you sleep better.

Common types include:

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Loratadine (Claritin)

Ask your doctor before taking antihistamines, especially if you take other medicines.

Consider phototherapy

Phototherapy uses special ultraviolet (UV) light to treat eczema. It is done in a clinic under medical care. UV light can reduce itching and inflammation.

This treatment is useful when:

Eczema does not improve with creams or other treatments
You have large areas of affected skin
You want to reduce steroid use

Phototherapy may need several sessions per week for a few months. It is safe for many people but not for everyone. Talk to a dermatologist to see if it’s right for you.

Manage stress

Stress can make eczema worse. It can trigger flare-ups or make itching feel more intense.

Ways to manage stress:

Deep breathing or meditation
Exercise, such as walking or yoga
Listening to calming music
Getting enough sleep
Talking to a counselor or support group

Find what helps you relax. Taking care of your mental health helps your skin too.

Treat infections quickly

Eczema-damaged skin is more likely to get infections. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause infections.

Signs of infection include:

Increased redness and swelling
Yellow crust or pus
Warmth or pain
Fever or flu-like symptoms

If you notice any of these, see your doctor. You may need antibiotics or antiviral medicine.

Keeping your hands clean and avoiding scratching can reduce the risk of infection.

Consider food allergies or sensitivities

Some people notice their eczema gets worse after eating certain foods. This is more common in children, but adults can also be affected.

Possible problem foods include:

Cow’s milk
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Nuts
Seafood

If you think food might be a trigger, talk to a doctor or allergy specialist. Do not remove major food groups without guidance. You may need allergy testing.

Natural remedies that may help

Some natural treatments may help ease eczema, but not all are backed by strong science. Always talk to a doctor before trying these.

Some options include:

Coconut oil: Can help moisturize and reduce bacteria
Sunflower oil: May help improve skin barrier
Colloidal oatmeal: Soothes itching and redness
Aloe vera gel: Cools and moisturizes irritated skin
Probiotics: May help improve gut and skin health in some people

Use only gentle, pure forms of these products. Avoid essential oils or anything with fragrance unless approved by a healthcare provider.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if:

Your eczema is not improving with home treatment
You get frequent flare-ups
The itching is affecting your sleep or daily life
You see signs of infection
You want to explore new treatment options

A dermatologist can offer stronger treatments, testing for allergies, or advanced therapies like biologic drugs.

Can eczema be cured

Atopic dermatitis cannot always be cured, but many people can control it very well. Children may outgrow it, but some people have it for life. The key is to manage symptoms and avoid triggers.

With good skin care, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment, most people can live comfortably and reduce flare-ups.

Final thoughts

Living with atopic dermatitis eczema can be difficult, but it can be managed. The most important steps are to keep the skin moisturized, avoid triggers, use medicine when needed, and take care of your overall health. Be patient and consistent with your routine. Everyone’s skin is different, so finding what works best for you may take time.

If eczema is affecting your life, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor. You don’t have to live with discomfort forever.

Skin health matters. Taking care of your skin every day helps you feel better, sleep better, and live more comfortably.

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