Facing the long-term

Living with atopic dermatitis can be challenging, but adopting a positive outlook makes a significant difference in managing the disease. Facing atopic dermatitis isn’t just about treating your skin; it’s about establishing routines that nurture both your body and mind.

Daily care1-6

Living with atopic dermatitis can be difficult. Taking care of your skin at home and using the right hygiene products (cream, shower gel, etc.) may help you prevent and relieve the symptoms.

  • 1 Control dry skin with moisturizers.
  • 2 Most effective timing after bathing.
  • 3 At least once daily.

A variety of over-the-counter and prescription barrier repair agents exist that may help reduce the impact of atopic dermatitis and play an adjunctive therapeutic role.

Here are some tips to help control the disease:

  • Keep your skin moisturized (ointment, cream, or lotion).
  • Consider having a humidifier in your bedroom.
  • Apply moisturizers and emollients when your skin is wet or damp.
  • Test all new skin care products before using them.
  • Take short, cooler baths and showers better than long and hot ones.
  • Keep fingernails cut short. Consider light gloves for children if night time scratching is a problem.
  • Learn what causes your atopic dermatitis to flare.
  • Protect your skin from extreme temperatures to avoid sweating.
  • Apply moisturizers prior to engaging in physical activity.
  • Manage stress.
  • Seek counselling if you are feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or anxious about atopic dermatitis.

AVOID anything that makes your symptoms worse such as:

  • Food allergens: talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Wool and other scratchy fabrics: wear soft, breathable materials like cotton.
  • Overdressing, especially in warmer weather.
  • Strong or fragranced soaps, detergents, and harsh chemicals: use products for sensitive skin.
  • Scrubbing the skin too hard, too long, or in inflamed areas.
  • Stress, sweating, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke, and chlorine can also worsen symptoms in some people.

Home care

Home care tips can be considered apart from keeping your skin clean and moisturized. It is recommended to minimize the use of cleaning products in the home, as many contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin or worsen atopic dermatitis.7,8

  • Avoid drastic temperature changes.
  • Keep your house clean.
  • Skip scented laundry products.
  • Wear loose clothing.
  • Put a cold compress on your skin when the itching feels out of control, followed by a moisturizer.
  • Ask your doctor if you should take vitamin D.
  • Try to stay calm.
  • Learn your atopic dermatitis triggers.

These tips can help control your atopic dermatitis and help you live more comfortably. Let your dermatologist know the self-care tips that are helping you so they can adjust your medical treatment plan.9

Self-care9

If you’re looking for a hand soap, body wash or laundry detergent that won’t aggravate atopic dermatitis symptoms, have a look at the list below. They can provide you hydration and itch relief, stop some skin types from  becoming scaly and prevent skin dryness.

Lotions and moisturizers

  • Provide relief for dry skin.
  • Help prevent or reduce a number of atopic dermatitis symptoms.
  • Consider products which were developed for atopic dermatitis (anti-itch and containing atopic dermatitis-friendly ingredients).

Shampoos and laundry products and habits9,10

  • Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options when possible.
  • Try liquid products, as they tend to leave fewer residues than powders.
  • Wash new clothing, bedding, and cloth napkins before you use them (including plush toys, bedding, blankets, parent and caregiver clothes and towels if your baby suffers from the disease).

The best way to keep atopic dermatitis at home is to establish a daily skincare regimen and stick with it:11

CLEAN

  • 5-10 minutes lukewarm shower or bath before bedtime.
  • Gentle cleanser
    recommended for sensitive skin with no added fragrances or dyes and a low PH (below 5.5).
  • Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the affected skin with a washcloth or loofah.

TREAT

  • Pat the skin lightly with a towel leaving it slightly damp.
  • If prescribed by your doctor, apply a thin coat of the topical medication to affected areas of the skin only.

MOISTURIZE

  • Liberally apply a moisturizer all over the body (not just the atopic dermatitis areas) to treatment.
  • Better use ointments and creams than lotions (test a small amount on your skin before full use).
  • Wait a few minutes to let the moisturize absorb into the skin before dressing.
Managing atopic dermatitis involves more than just applying lotions and moisturizers. Taking care of your mental and emotional health affects your body, and making mindful lifestyle choices can also impact your skin health.12

Improve Your Diet13,14

Some people with atopic dermatitis also have food allergies or food intolerances.

people with atopic dermatitis who have food allergies

FOOD INTOLERANCE

Trouble digesting certain foods, gas, bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhea, for instance.

FOOD ALLERGY

Immune system reaction provoked by some food that affects numerous organs in the body and can cause a range of symptoms .

Some allergy symptoms, such as itching, may immediately appear and can worsen AD. “Delayed” food-sensitive AD reactions can happen 6 – 48 hours after a person eats a particular food.

Elimination diet

This diet involves temporarily avoiding a food or a group of foods for several weeks. But before starting, you should talk with your health care provider. To prepare for the visit with your doctor, consider creating a list of possible trigger foods to discuss during your visit.

Dietary changes to manage atopic dermatitis are not a one-size-fits-all solution1; you should always consult with a trusted health care provider before making any drastic changes to your diet.

Enjoy seasons of the year15

Some of the most common triggers for AD are linked to seasonal changes. Extreme temperatures can be a problem for the skin, triggering seasonal AD.

Why can weather be such an issue for atopic dermatitis?15

People with hard-to-control atopic dermatitis have especially sensitive skin, so many things in the environment can potentially affect it — temperature, moisture, pollution, and pollen are a few examples.

The skin barrier in people with atopic dermatitis is damaged and, when exposed to allergens, is less able to retain moisture, leaving those areas dry, cracked, and itchy.

People with atopic dermatitis may face challenges as their skin transitions from summer humidity to the cold and wind of fall and winter.

WINTER CHALLENGE:15

Cold air, wind, and a decrease in humidity can all dry out skin. In addition, warm indoor heat and changing between hot and cold temperatures cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated. More time inside also means your skin is exposed to more indoor allergens.

Tips to Get ahead of WINTER effects:

  • Keep the temperature comfortable inside.
  • Bump up the humidity in your home (use a humidifier and don’t sit too close to heat sources).
  • Stick to quick, lukewarm showers.
  • Use a winter-friendly moisturizer (switch to something heavier, such as an ointment) and apply it immediately after hopping out of the shower or bath.
  • Wash rugs, bedding, and zip-on covers.

SPRING CHALLENGE:15,16

Spring is also a season of allergies. When spring hits, so does ragweed pollen, grass, pet dander, and dust mites, which can trigger some individuals’ immune systems to become overactive, leading to runny nose, watery eyes, inflammation and irritation of the skin, making AD flare-up.

Tips to Get ahead of SPRING effects:

  • Use an air purifier.
  • Avoid allergens by keeping tabs on the pollen forecast in your area.
  • Keep the skin moisturized.
  • Wear soft cotton clothing.

SUMMER CHALLENGE:15

High temperatures, prolonged exposure to the sun and warm-weather activities, such as swimming and being outdoors for an extended period, can trigger a flare-up of uncontrolled atopic dermatitis. Excessive sweating can lead to itching and irritation, especially in areas where the skin folds, such as the elbows, knees, and neck.

Tips to Get ahead of SUMMER effects:

  • Stay cool by minimizing the exposure to the sun, and drink plenty of water.
  • Moisture-wicking shirts.
  • Use fragrance-free sunscreens. Look for those that contain a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that are less likely to cause irritation.

FALL CHALLENGE:15

As the weather cools down we start using extra clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, and coats that can be made of materials that irritate the skin and cause itchiness. Allergens — both indoors and out — can also be a problem. In addition, cool weather and the use of indoor heating systems can also contribute to dry air leading to dehydration of the skin.

Tips to Get ahead of FALL effects:

  • Choose clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or silk. When wearing wool lay it over a soft cotton or silk fabric to create a barrier between the wool and the skin.
  • Take precautions during outdoor activities. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect your skin from environmental triggers.
  • Open windows from time to time to allow fresh air in so that dust mites don’t collect.
  • Use thick fragrance-free moisturizer that contains ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.

No matter the season, talk to your dermatologist if your atopic dermatitis is flaring up or if you’re struggling with uncontrolled symptoms.

Top five tips for living better with atopic dermatitis:12​

  • 1 Take care of your skin daily.
  • 2 Eat a diet that promotes skin health. This kind of diet often includes anti-inflammatory foods and those with probiotics to boost the immune system.
  • 3 Care for your mind to take care of your body.
  • 4 Be mindful of your surroundings and choices.
  • 5 Follow the doctor's recommendations and treatments.

And remember, if you have any questions ask your dermatologist about the best options and resources to reduce or manage your flare-ups.

Prepare for your dermatologist visit

To help diagnose atopic dermatitis, your dermatologist will carefully examine your (or your child’s) skin and ask a series of questions. Before your appointment, it can be helpful to gather information to share with your dermatologist, such as:1,17
  • Any known food allergies.
  • Exposure to soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, or cigarette smoke
  • Any sleep disturbances that may be related to your skin condition
  • Foods that seem to trigger skin reactions.
  • A description of your symptoms and how they have changed over time.
  • When the symptoms began.
  • Where atopic dermatitis appears on your skin.
  • Use of steroids or other medications.
  • Previous treatments for skin-related symptoms.

References:

 

1. Atopic Dermatitis Basics: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis/basics/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take (last access: September 2025). 2. Eczema types: atopic dermatitis skin care. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/atopic-dermatitis-coping (last access: September 2025). 3. Atopic dermatitis – self-care. Medline Plus. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000418.htm (last access: September 2025). 4. Atopic Dermatitis. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24299-atopic-dermatitis (last access: September 2025). 5. Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. American Academy of Pediatrics. Available at: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/atopic-dermatitis/treatment-of-atopic-dermatitis/ (last access: September 2025). 6. Eczema and Exercise. Allergic & Asthma Network. Available at: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/eczema-and-exercise/ (last access: January 2026). 7. Home Care for Moderate to Severe Eczema. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-home-remedies (last access: September 2025). 8. How to treat eczema at home. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Available at: https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-treat-eczema-at-home (last access: September 2025). 9. Over-the-Counter Treatments for Eczema. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/over-the-counter/ (last access: September 2025). 10. Laundry Care for People with Eczema. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/laundry-care-for-people-eczema/ (last access: September 2025). 11. Caring for Eczema — Easy as 1, 2, 3. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FactSheet_Skincare_FINAL.pdf (last access: September 2025). 12. Self-Care Tips for Atopic Dermatitis. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/atopic-dermatitis/atopic-dermatitis-self-care (last access: September 2025). 13. Everything you need to know about eczema and food allergies. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/blog/eczema-food-allergies/ (last access: September 2025). 14. Foods to eat and avoid plus diet tips for eczema. MedicalNewsToday. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320855 (last access: September 2025). 15. Your Season-by-Season Guide to Managing Atopic Dermatitis. Everyday Health. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/eczema/seasonal-guide (last access: September 2025). 16. La llegada de la primavera eleva la alerta por dermatitis atópica entre los más jóvenes. Vithas. Available at: https://vithas.es/dermatitis-atopica-en-primavera/#:~:text=Impacto%20de%20la%20primavera%20en,at%C3%B3pica%20entre%20los%20m%C3%A1s%20j%C3%B3venes (last accessed: September 2025). 17. Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/treatment (last access: September 2025).

 

HQ-NOP-2400217 January 2026