Around the House: Tips for Managing Eczema this Spring

1. Control Dust Mites. Some studies suggest that reducing dust mites can reduce symptoms; other studies show no effect. For the most part, children have shown improvement when dust mites were controlled. A few tips: eliminate carpeting, rugs and blinds; limit upholstered furniture, and look for items made of wood, rubber, metal or plastic (that goes for toys too); cover the box spring and mattress in plastic zippered covers and wipe off covers weekly; wash all bed clothes at least once a week in water that is 130° F or hotter.

2. Keep humidity level between 45% and 55%. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can keep humidity levels between 45% and 55%. Use a hygrometer, a device that measures humidity, to monitor the amount of moisture in the air.

3. Avoid contact with pets that have fur or feathers. When fur and feathers come into contact with skin, they can cause a flare-up. Pet dander is another common trigger. Be sure to keep pets with fur or feathers out of the bedroom.

4. Avoid contact with harsh dish-washing products and household cleaners. Look for natural alternatives to bleaches and other cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. For more information on natural cleaning alternatives, see Spring Cleaning and Allergies in this newsletter.

5. Cover up in the yard. If plants or other things in the yard trigger a flare-up, wearing gloves and long pants and sleeves may help prevent a flare-up.

from AAD Guidelines of Care for Atopic Dermatitis