he should have a bath or shower every day but limit them to 10-15 minutes maximum. stick to simple cleansers that are designed for sensitive skin. once he gets out of the bath or shower he should apply a cream -- not lotion or oil -- to the entire body while his skin is still damp. he should also consider seeing a dermatologist and allergist for testing in case there are specific ingredients/products that he is sensitive to and should avoid. he can also try taking antihistamines. he should be careful about taking any antihistamine before driving. managing stress is also very important since that can cause a flare of the eczema. your dermatologist may also provide you with topical cortisone preparations to help relive the itch/rash as well as cortisone-sparing products that can be very effective as well in maintaining clearance.
my 18-year-old son has severe eczema all over and scratches constantly. we've tried everything. how can we help him?