The main ways to reduce the itching red sore skin associated with atopic skin conditions revolves around prevention and not cure.

In most cases, lifestyle changes plays an important role in reducing the effects of atopy. Especially with children, simple changes in diet etc can make a lot of difference. Try to eliminate the cause of the problem, rather than the effect. That's the BEST way.

How?

#A good place to start would be to assess your living conditions. Dust is one the irritants that flare up the sensitive skin of people susceptible to atopy. Get rid of old carpets, rugs that contain dusk and other bugs. Drapes and curtains will hold plenty of bugs too. At least try to clean them often or vacuum (with a quality machine) them regularly.

#Temperature is very important too. If skin gets too hot then it sweats and sweat can cause the skin to flare up. In the case of kids, make sure they get dry quick after getting sweaty.

#Clothing. Certain types of fabric are not good for the skin. Avoid direct contact with wool as this may irritate atopic skin. Artificial fibers are not great either. Cotton is a Good choice, Also remember to wash clothes properly in order to remove as many nasty bugs as possible. Hot wash is recommended.

#Air quality is essential. Make sure your house is well ventilated and if possible get an air-purifier and replace the filters when necessary. The same applies with air conditioners - replace the filters when necessary.

#Food. This is the place where a lot of people go wrong. All sorts of treats that folk like actually are really bad for sufferers of atopy. Foods like soda-pop, junk foods, greasy foods, instant foods,and chocolate is really bad too. Flour products and dairy products are not all that great either. Certain types of protein sources are not so good , like eggs. (See the problem?) Try alternatives (research this first). Eat more fruit and veg. It's the same old story vegetarian type diets are better for atopy. HOWEVER, A BALANCED DIET MUST STILL BE MAINTAINED, THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN.

#Living conditions. New houses are really bad, they are full of solvents which cause atopy in sufferers to become much worse. Old houses are not that great either, because they tend to be full of bugs. Cleanliness is essential.

#Washing. Choose a suitably sensitive soap that won't dry out the skin too much. Apply plenty of high quality moisturizers to the skin. make sure moisturizing soap/lotion/cream to suitable for atopic skin. Another thing, avoid washing too often and unnecessarily. Strike a balance.

#Pollution. If at all possible, try to minimize your exposure to air pollution.

NOTE. This is not an exhaustive or medical essay on prevention and cure of atopy. It is merely a few assembled facts that are intended to guide.

IF you have , or know someone with severe atopy , of course your should consult your G.P. (or local skin doctor) first. Find out more facts.

BEWARE, in many cases reducing certain foods that are bad for atopy may well have other ill effects on your health. Again, you must strike a balance. Consult a dietician of necessary.

I hope this was of some help.