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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

The main goal of treatment is to minimize and treat symptoms. Treatment may include the following recommendations:

Avoid irritants that tend to worsen symptoms.

Avoid scratching the lesions.

Keep the skin moist with lotions and ointments to reduce symptoms.

Avoid excessive bathing and lengthy exposure to baths to reduce flare-ups.

Don't bathe babies with soap too frequently. Mild neutral soaps are recommended as needed, and bubble baths should be avoided.

Keep infants' and children's fingernails cut short to avoid irritating lesions from scratching.

Avoid heavy ointments such as petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening. These can make symptoms worse because these products block the sweat glands.

Medications used to treat eczema include the following:

topical ointment for lesions that are oozing or extremely itchy, including mild anti-itching lotions or topical steroids

coal-tar compound ointments or topical steroids for chronic thickened patches

oral steroids, such as prednisone, for severe cases of eczema or inflammation

antibiotics for secondary infection

antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects to treatment depend on the treatment used. Topical steroid ointments and oral steroids can cause further irritation of the skin or secondary skin conditions. Antibiotics can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reaction. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After treatment, a person who has eczema may need to avoid situations or conditions that make the eczema worse.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

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