Itching for Fall: Eczema Season is Here

Bristol, Tenn.— Fall has arrived, and for one in five children, that means it is eczema season. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic skin condition that causes itching, rash, scaliness, redness, inflammation, weeping and crusting of the skin. “Atopic dermatitis can occur at any time of year, and for some patients, unfortunately, it is a year-round problem,” said Dr. Mark Boguniewicz, pediatric allergist-immunologist at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado. “However, for most patients, it is typically worse in the cold, dry months of fall and winter. ”This condition appears most frequently on the hands and face, and one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the intense itching. Itch is especially troubling for infants and children, who become irritable and uncomfortable. According to Dr. Boguniewicz, “Atopic dermatitis is much more than an itchy rash. These children often scratch to the point of bleeding. Their itching interferes with other activities, most importantly sleep.” AD flare-ups are usually treated with topical steroid creams, but many parents are concerned about using steroids on their children for extended periods.1 A recently published study in the June issue of The Journal of Pediatrics showed that Atopiclair® nonsteroidal cream is safe and effective as a monotherapy for the treatment of symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in infants and children.2 “This study shows that Atopiclair improves the symptoms and appearance of eczema in children and infants. The fast improvement in itch will be particularly important to patients and their families. Steroid-sparing therapies are especially useful when treating children with this chronic, relapsing condition and so we were pleased that patients using Atopiclair in this study has significantly less need for steroid creams,” said Dr. Boguniewicz, the lead investigator of the study. For more information visit www.newsinfusion.com