Irritated, itchy, atopic skin

Dr Michèle Sayag, Allergologist.

An internet user’s question: I suffer from allergies (eczema, shingles). Will my daughter therefore be more prone to developing these skin problems?

Shingles is not an allergy but a viral infection. However, if you suffer from atopic allergic reactions, your daughter is more likely than average to suffer from atopic dermatitis.

Dr Michèle Sayag, Allergologist.

An internet user’s question: How can atopic dermatisis be prevented and treated?

Prevention is used for “at-risk” children, namely children with at least one allergy-prone parent. In these cases, for example, we know that it is best to avoid contact with cats during the first few weeks. As regards to treatment, outbreaks of eczema should be treated as early as possible with topical anti-inflammatory steroids. Changes in the skin barrier should be treated every day with an emollient.