Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Advice for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Patients

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 9 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

Moisturizing is the cornerstone of treatment: apply a fragrance-free moisturizer at least 3 times daily — the more, the better.
Bathing: lukewarm water, short (5–10 min), with a gentle soap-free fragrance-free cleanser and no loofah (use hands or a soft sponge).
Pat dry — do not rub — and apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of drying to lock in moisture.
Wear cotton; avoid wool and rough fabrics; use fragrance-free laundry detergent for sensitive skin.
Avoid applying perfumes and oud oil directly onto the skin.
Keep children's nails short — scratching makes eczema worse.
Diet (updated guidance): do not eliminate foods (eggs, fish, milk, nuts…) unless an allergy is confirmed by testing; unnecessary elimination diets harm nutrition and may increase the risk of true food allergy.
When starting solids (~6 months): introduce one new food every 3–5 days to spot reactions; early introduction of allergenic foods is now encouraged — ask your doctor.
Use the prescribed anti-inflammatory creams during flares as directed; moisturizer alone is not enough during a flare.

See also the full treatment page: Eczema treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.