Eliminating factors that worsen eczema can help to control the symptoms.

Aggravating factors may include:

• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Heat, perspiration, dry environments
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Rapid temperature changes
• Exposure to certain chemicals or cleaning solutions, including soaps and detergents, perfumes and cosmetics, wool or synthetic fibers, dust, sand, and cigarette smoke.

Keep the skin hydrated by using moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out. The best emollients for people with atopic dermatitis are thick creams (such as Eucerin®, Cetaphil®, and Nutraderm®). Emollients are most effective when applied immediately after bathing. Lotions contain more water than creams and ointments and are less effective for moisturizing the skin.

It is not clear if showers or baths are better for keeping the skin hydrated. Lukewarm baths or showers can hydrate and cool the skin, temporarily relieving the itching of eczema. An unscented, mild soap or nonsoap cleanser (such as Cetaphil®) should be used sparingly. Consider using bath with oats to help alleviate irritation and itchiness. An emollient should be applied IMMEDIATELY after bathing or showering to prevent the skin from drying out as a result of water evaporation.

However, hot or long baths (greater than 10 to 15 minutes) and showers should be avoided since they can dry out the skin.

In some cases, a dilute bleach or vinegar baths may be recommended for people with eczema. These baths help to decrease the number of bacteria on the skin which can cause infections or worsen symptoms. To prepare a vinegar bath, 1 to 2 cup of vinegar is placed in a full bathtub (about 40 gallons) of water. Vinegar baths are usually taken for five to ten minutes twice per week.

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