Atopic Dermatitis/ Eczema (Infants)
Articles related to Atopic Dermatitis/ Eczema for infants and children:
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Dr. Harlan recommends that anyone using SmartLotion® on their child do so with their Pediatrician or Dermatologist's supervision.
The FDA has not officially cleared hydrocortisone for use in children under 2.
Symptoms:
When the child is around 6 months old, he or she develops patches of itchy red rashes on the trunk and/or on the wrists, arms and legs. Atopic dermatitis is a very common form of childhood eczema that is maximal by age two and tends to be outgrown by age 5. The child's skin will always be dry, and ALWAYS needs 2x per day moisturizing with one of Dr. Harlan's recommended moisturizers. Cat dander often aggravates. Avoid cat exposure.
Recovery:
Dr. Harlan typically treats his infantile patients for atopic dermatitis by having them (with their pediatrician's supervision) apply a recommended moisturizer, and then apply a thin, disappearing layer of SmartLotion® 3x per day for 2 weeks.
As long as the patient sees improvement during the initial 2 weeks, after 2 weeks he typically recommends tapering down to 2x per day for 2 weeks then to 1x per day for 2 weeks. The rate of tapering should vary based on how quickly the rash is healing.
Dr. Harlan says that moisturizing 2x per day is a must for atopic dermatitis patients, regardless of whether a rash is present or not. If the patient does not see improvement within the first 2 weeks, he will prescribe them a stronger treatment for 3 weeks to help with initial control and recovery before switching back to SmartLotion®.
Cat dander often aggravates atopic dermatitis. Avoid cat exposure.
For a list of Dr. Harlan's recommended moisturizers, please click here.
Prevention:
After initial control and tapering, Dr. Harlan recommends his patients adopt a long term routine that works for them.
In addition to 2x per day moisturizer applications, some patients require intervals of 2x and 1x every other day SmartLotion® applications for complete flare-up control. Some patients require 1 application per day, and some only require 3 applications per week.
This is why long-term safety was so important to Dr. Harlan when he formulated SmartLotion®. For whatever maintenance schedule his patients require, he wanted to ensure that there would be no chance of side effects. Rest assured, SmartLotion® is 100% safe for long term use, as demonstrated in his peer-reviewed safety study.
To read Dr. Harlan's peer -reviewed safety study, please click here.
