HYGIENE

Avoid overly aggressive hygiene products that contain sulfates, alcohol or astringent substances: they are even more harmful to atopic skin that is already weakened. Choose compositions that are 0% sulfate, 0% perfume and 0% soap for maximum softness and tolerance.

Prefer a daily but short-term bath in lukewarm water (35° maximum). Water that is too hot or cold could further irritate the skin of your child. Avoid washcloths, which are too irritating. When drying him, pat his skin with the towel without rubbing him.

After the bath or shower, it's time to restore the barrier function of the skin . Use emollient creams rich in lipids. Do not hesitate to generously coat your child's body from head to toe, choosing products that provide the greatest comfort.

For infants, remember to change the diaper regularly to prevent the skin from remaining wet for too long.

If your children scratch unexpectedly, make sure to minimize aggravating effects of this gesture on their skin. For example, you can put gloves or mittens on them at night to prevent nighttime scratching. To numb the itching sensations, it is also possible to use a cold pack to apply to sensitive areas to relieve them.

CLOTHING

Wools And rough textiles : woolen clothes next to the skin should be avoided, although soft in appearance, they are itchy. Generally, forget about rough textiles and also remember to remove labels that rub on the skin.

Synthetic clothing : they should not be rejected if they are soft and of good quality.

Cotton : he is king! Naturally soft, low-irritant, it is the ideal fabric for atopic skin . Preferred over any other fabric for towels, bathrobes, and body clothing.

Shoes : avoid rubber or plastic shoes that contain latex. It is an allergen to which atopic children are often sensitive. Choose them in leather or canvas .

AT HOME

Feathers : ban feather duvets and duvets which are not recommended.

Mites : they become embedded in carpets and double curtains. Don't hesitate to chase them down with the vacuum cleaner as often as possible. You can also use anti-mite sprays and treated mattress covers.

Pacifiers : prefer them silicone pacifiers to rubber pacifiers which, again, contain latex.

Heating : in winter, it risks drying out the atmosphere in the rooms. Consider installing humidifiers.

LAUNDRY CARE

Laundry : mistrust. Contrary to popular belief, You should not overdose on your detergents . They contain agents that promote epidermal irritation. With too much detergent, your child's clothes will not be any cleaner.

Fabric softeners : to forbid. They may soften the laundry but they can irritate the skin.

Rinsing : it is very important, do not hesitate to carry out two cycles per wash .

Tumble dry : when possible, it makes the laundry softer and softer and in some way replaces fabric softeners.

Ironing : it is essential, it disinfects and softens laundry .

HOUSEHOLD

Duster , broom : very harmful; they stir air and move dust. For the housework, nothing replaces the vacuum cleaner .

Air fresheners : use with caution. Avoid if they are perfumed. On the other hand, the use of an atmosphere purifier is recommended.

FOOD

Diet : although no food is strictly prohibited, some are more allergenic than others. It's up to you to spot them, talk to your doctor about them and possibly remove those that cause attacks, but no blind draconian diet without allergological evidence.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate : atopy tends to get worse in winter . Make sure to cover your child well when going out and protect their skin by applying emollients.

Sun : thanks to UVB, it can have beneficial effects on the skin. As long as you don't overuse it of course. Apply the same protection rules as for other children .

Pollution : in cities, 3 times more children are affected by atopy*. Atopy worsens in polluted environments , so during pollution peaks be sure to minimize outings.

Stress : annoyances, emotional shocks, can be responsible for triggering a flare-up. Know create an emotional, calm and serene environment , beneficial in all respects.

Tobacco : no smoke for the atopic! Tobacco should be avoided so as not to aggravate the skin condition and add ENT and bronchial symptoms.

Animals : There is no rule. Their presence is psychologically beneficial if it is physically accepted. In any case, ensure the cleanliness of the places frequented by the child's little companion of course, and without eliminating cuddles, no hair for sleeping and everyone in their own bed!

Soft toys : they can replace the legged companion, but again, beware of hair! Prefer a good fabric “soft toy”, washable, and washed once a week.

HOBBIES

All sports can be practiced, without excess. They are beneficial against nervousness. Remember to dry your child when he or she has sweated a lot. Sweat can irritate your skin .

Pool : its chlorinated water could dry out the skin, but a good rinse followed by the application of an emollient cream can overcome these disadvantages. To be reserved outside of flare-ups .