$Unique_ID{BRK00322}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Treatments for Dermatitis}
$Subject{dermatitis atopic child rash}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Treatments for Dermatitis


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QUESTION:  Our young son, age 9, suffers with a terrible, itchy rash, that our
doctor calls a dermatitis.  We have been using creams and salves, which work
sometimes, but the rash keeps returning.  I want to be sure I am doing
everything I can.  Can you please tell me what to do?

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ANSWER:  It sounds like you are on the right path, combatting the chronic and
difficult to manage skin disease, that from your description, I believe falls
into the classification of an atopic dermatitis.  Sometimes called eczema, it
is one of the most common skin disorders affecting children, with from 3% to
5% of all children in the United States affected.  Generally there is a
history of allergy, either in the child or family, problems such as asthma,
allergic runny noses and allergic conjunctivitis.  The skin tends to be dry
and scaly, and of course the itch is ever present.  The use of emollient
creams, or skin softeners can be combined with hydrocortisone that is useful
in reducing both the rash and itch.  The medicines to be effective must be
applied frequently (as many as 5 to 6 times a day) and regularly.  Skipping an
application or two, or forgetting to apply medications regularly is a most
common reason for treatments to fail.  A few other precautions may help.
Don't use harsh or drying soap, but try Dove or Neutrogena instead.  Be
careful in the choice of clothing as wool and some synthetic fibers may
irritate sensitive skin.  Observe carefully, to see if particular foods, such
as eggs, milk or peanuts may be causing allergic reactions that increase the
rash problem.  Stress and emotional upset can also trigger an acute episode.
When the itch is so severe that sleep is disturbed, the use of an
antihistamine as bedtime medication is indicated, and can be most helpful.
But the good news is that about 80% of patients with this affliction are
symptom free by age 20.  Until then your care, understanding the proper usage
of medications, and consultations with your physician when flare ups occur,
can make the course of the disease easier and more bearable.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
