Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that produces intense itching and then a raised, red rash. It commonly develops in small children and continues into the teen years. Adults also can have it or have milder symptoms than they did as children, along with sensitive-skin signs.

If you have atopic dermatitis, your skin is very sensitive to irritants and is prone to becoming itchy and developing a rash. Scratching may seem to relieve the itch, but it often ends in a rash and produces a vicious circle of itching, scratching, and rash.

Skin afflicted by dermatitis must be kept well hydrated. Although scientists have yet to fully understand the causes of atopic dermatitis, they already known that dry skin plays a big part in worsening symptoms.

Good skin care is an essential part of controlling the rash and itch of dermatitis. To help avoid a cycle of itching, scratching, and rash, maintain your skin hydrated and identify and avoid skin irritants.

To care for your skin: - Soak in warm (not hot), clean water for 3 to 5 minutes. Your skin will assimilate water and still keep its natural oils. Losing the natural oils will result in dry skin. You may shower when an outbreak is mild or when atopic dermatitis is under control.

- Don't use soap every time you take a bath. When soap is needed, use a non-drying, gentle product. Soap should be regularly used only on the underarms, groin, and feet, rinsing immediately afterward. Children afflicted by atopic dermatitis must not stay sit in soapy water.

- Avoid adding bubble bath and bath oils to the bathwater, because they can reduce your skin's ability to assimilate water.

- Don't use washcloths or scrub brushes.

- After a bath or shower, pat your skin dry. With your skin still humid or even wet, immediately apply a moisturizer, within 3 minutes of leaving the shower or bath. Your skin will dry out if you wait longer. For severe dryness, try petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or an all-herbal shortening. Also apply the moisturizer several times a day.

- Talk to your personal doctor about using a wet bandage over the afflicted area. It can help alleviate symptoms but it can be troublesome if some skin treatment is being administered on the skin.

And, of course, avoid skin irritants at all costs, like some cleansing products, scratchy clothing or bedding, damp hands or feet, places with low humidity, sudden changes of temperature, excessive sweating, sunburn, and emotional stress.