A baby with a food allergy related Atopic dermatitis may be fussy, cries constantly, and the entire family may be stressed and frustrated in the effort to keep him from scratching and rubbing his skin to avoid skin infection.

Generally, the itching sensation caused by atopic dermatitis will soon disappearonce the allergic food is identified and eliminated from the baby’s diet. In the meantime, a daily skin care routine is critical to help heal the baby’s skin and keep it healthy so as to prevent flares and further skin damage due to the atopic dermatitis.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a subsidiary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has identified five key points in controlling atopic dermatitis:

1. Prevent scratching or rubbing whenever possible.
2. Protect skin from excessive moisture, irritants, and rough clothing.
3. Maintain a cool, stable temperature and consistent humidity levels.
4. Limit exposure to other general irritants, such as wool or synthetic fibers, soaps and detergents, some perfumes and cosmetics, substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents, dust or sand and cigarette smoke.
5. Recognize and limit emotional stress.

In addition, consider that a lukewarm bath can help to cleanse and moisturize the skin but avoid using normal soap as a cleanser because this can contribute to further dryness. Instead, consider using a mild bar soap or a non-soap cleanser instead.

To dry the skin after bathing, either air-dry it or pat the skin gently with a towel avoiding rubbing or brisk drying. Then apply a lubricant such as a cream or an ointment to seal in the water that has been absorbed into the skin during bathing.
Creams and ointments help to restore the skin's moisture, hasten the rate of healing and establish a barrier against further drying and irritation. Lotions that have a high water or alcohol content are generally not the best choice because they evaporate more quickly and may cause stinging.

Another tip is to protecting and restoring the skin damaged because of atopic dermatitis is avoiding repeated skin infections that appear as tiny pustules (pus-filled bumps), oozing cracks or sores, or crusty yellow blisters. Usually, skin infections result from severe scratching and can also trigger or increase the severity of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, it is important to keep the child's fingernails filed short. If you notice symptoms of a skin infection, immediately consult your doctor, to begin a treatment as soon as possible.

Your doctor may also recommend medications or antihistamines, especially at night, to promote sleep and reduce atopic dermatitis's scratching.

Source: the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)