Atopic dermatitus is an allergic skin disorder. It is often caused by allergies to certain foods.

Signs and symptoms:

• red, crusty, scaling or swollen skin
• open, wet sores on skin (may be on cheeks, neck, buttocks, wrists, arms, legs, or other areas)
• itchy skin, causing scratching (scratching can make sores worse)

Treatment may include:

1. medicine to control itching
2. wet soaking and dressings
3. steroid cream
4. antibiotic for infection

Things to remember:

1. give your child the medicine and other treatments directed by your physician.
2. do not let your child crawl on wool carpets or sleep under wool blankets.
3. dress your child in clean, cotton clothes.
4. use soap that does not dry the skin, like Dove.
5. bathe your child only two times a week to avoid dry skin.
6. only use lotions or creams prescribed by the doctor.

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