Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin ailment that causes a strong itching and then a raised, red rash. It usually appears in early childhood and continues into the adolescence years. Adults also may have it or have milder symptoms than they did as children, along with sensitive-skin signs.

If you have atopic dermatitis, your skin is highly 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 leads to a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, and rash.

Skin affected by dermatitis must be kept well moisturized. Although researchers have yet to fully understand the causes of atopic dermatitis, it is known that skin dryness plays a big part in exacerbating symptoms.

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

Follow these tips 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 biological oils. Losing the biological oils will result in dry skin. You may shower when atopic dermatitis is under control or when an outbreak is mild.

- Don't use soap every time you take a bath. If you need some soap, use a non-drying, gentle product. Use soap regularly only on the underarms, groin, and feet, rinsing immediately afterward. Children affected by atopic dermatitis should not stay sit in soapy water.

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

- Avoid using washcloths or scrub brushes.

- Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. While your skin is still moist or even wet, apply a moisturizer immediately, within 3 minutes of leaving the shower or bath. Waiting longer allows the skin to dry out. For severe dryness, try petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or an all-vegetable shortening. The moisturizer must be applied several times a day.

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

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