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

If you suffer atopic dermatitis, your skin is highly sensitive to irritants and is likely to developing a rash and becoming itchy. Scratching may seem to relieve the itch, but it often results in a rash and leads to a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, and rash.

Skin afflicted by dermatitis must be maintained well moisturized. Although scientists have yet to completely understand the causes of atopic dermatitis, they already known that dry skin plays a big part in exacerbating 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 moisturized and recognize and avoid skin irritants.

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

- Avoid washing with soap during every bath. If you need some soap, use a gentle, non-drying product. Use soap regularly only on the groin, underarms, and feet, and rinse immediately afterward. Children afflicted by atopic dermatitis must not stay sit in soapy water.

- Don't add bubble bath and bath oils to the bathwater, because they may alter your skin's ability to assimilate water.

- Avoid using washcloths or scrub brushes.

- After a bath or shower, pat your skin dry. While your skin is still humid or even wet, apply a moisturizer immediately, within 3 minutes of leaving the bath or shower. Waiting longer allows the skin to dry out. For severe dryness, try mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or an all-herbal shortening. Also apply the moisturizer several times a day.

- Talk to your personal doctor about applying 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, try to avoid skin irritants, like certain cleansing products, scratchy clothing or bedding, damp hands or feet, sudden changes of temperature, excessive sweating, sunburn, places with low humidity, and emotional stress.