You see the more you scratch the surface and remove the scaling and the dry skin, the more irritated the skin becomes. Irritation can be a problem because it only exacerbates the condition. Also, when you scratch and peel off the dry skin, bacteria from your nails can be transferred into the affected area, thus infecting the skin irritation further. Causes Medical experts have not pinpointed the exact cause or causes of atopic dermatitis. There had been many false leads before. However, they are one in the belief that the cause is a combination of complex interaction of many factors our genes, where we live, chemical and organic pollutants, immune system malfunction, and a breakdown of the outermost skin layer. These drugs should also not be used on the face or on skin that will be covered, for instance, at the rear when a diaper will be used. Check the warning label on the medicine and also consult with your doctor for more information. Another form of medicine that your doctor might prescribe is the immunimodulators, which is used to control flare-ups. You cannot help your kids from scratching the affected areas because the itchiness can get too much to bear. You must make sure that their fingernails are always clean and short so that they won t cause any damage on their skin no matter how itchy it is. Other Means When the basic solutions don t work, you must still not give up and try to come up with other plans. Heavy activities Avoid overly strenuous activities that can make you hot and sweaty or places with abrupt changes in temperatures and humidity. Sweating irritates the rash if you have flare-ups. If you don t have symptoms, practice good skin hygiene. Wear protective gloves for activities that require submersion of your hands in water for long periods. After settling for the right kind of moisturizer, you have to make sure that you reapply this on their skin two or three times a day. You can also ask your pediatrician if they can prescribe nonsteroidal creams and lotions for this purpose. These can be the best substitutes for the moisturizers that can be bought over the counter to help prevent the flare up of your child s rash due to eczema.