For the moment, we do not know of any recognized measure that can prevent the onset of eczema; there is no medical consensus in this regard.

Nevertheless, the medical community is exploring various avenues for preventingatopic eczema. They might be of particular interest to parents with allergies, who want to reduce the risk that their child will also suffer. To find out about them, see our Allergies sheet.

Avoid food allergens. Food allergens could contribute to flare-ups of atopic eczema¹⁴. To find out, the only way is to discover by allergy tests the foods likely to cause or worsen the attacks, and to avoid them while making sure to replace them with other non-allergenic foods of nutritional value. similar. You can consult a nutritionist about this. The following foods are generally recognized as potentially allergenic (non-exhaustive list):

– Peanuts;

– nuts and seeds (Brazil, Grenoble, pecans, pistachios, almonds, etc.);

– milk (cow, goat and mare);

– wheat;

– egg white;

– fish, crustaceans and molluscs;

– chocolate;

– I soya.

Reduce stress. Any technique that reduces stress can be recommended since it seems to stimulate allergic reactions. Doctors believe that stress does not cause eczema, but that it can worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups. Would stress reduction involve modifying certain leisure activities? On this subject, a study carried out in Japan published in 2001 demonstrated a direct link between the stress caused by video games and attacks of atopic eczema.¹⁵. In addition, according to the same study, frequent cell phone use increases allergic reactions. See the Stress and Anxiety feature for different ways to reduce stress.

Limit exposure to allergens. Reduce the presence of dust mites and dust by avoiding carpets and drapes, putting Gore-Tex covers on mattresses, optionally spraying dust mites and using a high performance vacuum cleaner at least 3 times a week.

Skin care tips

• Avoid irritants to the skin (wool, chemicals, detergents) and moisturize it well.
• Avoid keeping the air too dry at home. Use a humidifier if necessary during the winter.
• Avoid scratching the affected areas as this exacerbates the inflammation and irritation. If necessary, apply cold and wet compresses to the affected areas to protect the skin. In children, keep their fingernails short. We recommend wearing cotton gloves at night to avoid scratching.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and humid heat. Avoid dressing too warm and running the risk of sweating profusely.
• Close to the skin, prefer cotton clothing rather than those containing synthetic fibers or wool.
• Avoid very hot water and long baths. It is not necessary to limit the number of baths, but use an emollient immediately (less than 3 minutes) when you get out of the water.
• Use a mild soap for washing, such as Cetaphil®. In addition, reserve frequent use of soap for certain areas of the body, such as the armpits and genitals.
• Between eczema flare-ups and after baths, moisturize the skin well with an emollient cream or ointment. However, in times of crisis, the dryness of the skin announces the healing of the lesions.
• Change the diaper of a child with eczema often to prevent their skin from staying wet for too long. Avoid applying a fatty substance to the buttocks.
• Wash clothes and sheets with mild soap, especially those of young children.

Skin Care Note: The various treatments and preventive measures recommended by dermatologists to control eczema sometimes require daily care and require patience, especially in the case of young children. Current research shows that these measures can significantly improve the condition of affected children and avoid taking medication in the long term.