With the start of the heating season, as well as during cold, windy or very dry days, many people notice skin that itches, feels tight, flakes and becomes easily irritated. In some babies, children and adults, these symptoms are linked to atopic dermatitis, often also referred to as eczema in everyday language.

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is not just “dry skin”. In this condition, the skin barrier does not retain moisture well, so the skin loses water more easily, becomes more sensitive to external triggers and reacts with redness, itching, tightness, flaking and irritation. This is why daily care is important even when there is no visible flare-up.

Below we explain what atopic dermatitis is, what eczema looks like on the skin, how it differs in babies, children and adults, why it itches, which triggers are common and how to choose a cream for atopic dermatitis, an emollient, shower oil or balm for very dry and sensitive skin.

Author: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

What is atopic dermatitis, or eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition linked to a weakened skin barrier and a tendency toward hypersensitivity reactions. The word eczema is often used in everyday language to describe dry, red, rough skin that itches and returns in flare-ups.

It most often begins in early childhood, but it may continue later in life, and in some people it becomes more noticeable for the first time in adulthood. Periods of calmer skin typically alternate with flare-ups, when itching, redness, dryness and stinging are more pronounced.

What happens to the skin? How is it noticed? Goal of care
The skin barrier is weakened The skin is dry, tight, rough and easily irritated. Regular emollient use and support of the protective skin layer.
Itching leads to scratching Itching is often stronger in the evening and at night, while scratching further damages the skin. Calming the skin, avoiding irritants and timely dermatology advice.
Triggers cause flare-ups Flare-ups may follow the heating season, sweating, wool, detergents or harsh soaps. Recognising and reducing contact with known triggers.

Atopic dermatitis in babies and children

In babies and young children, atopic dermatitis, or eczema, often appears on the cheeks, forehead and outer sides of the arms and legs, while in older children it is more often seen in the folds of the elbows and knees. The patches may be dry, red, rough, sometimes weeping and accompanied by intense itching.

A baby cannot explain itching, so parents may notice restlessness, poor sleep, rubbing the face against bedding, scratching or worsening after bathing and dressing. In children, it is important to use gentle cleansing products, avoid perfumed bath products and apply an emollient regularly, especially after bathing.

If the changes are marked, spreading, weeping, bleeding, forming crusts, or if the child sleeps poorly because of itching, a paediatrician or dermatologist should be consulted. In babies and small children, medicated creams should not be introduced without professional advice.

Atopic dermatitis in adults

In adults, atopic dermatitis often appears on the hands, neck, around the eyes, on the face and in skin folds. The skin may be very dry, red, thickened and roughened due to long-term scratching. Itching is often the most unpleasant symptom because it affects sleep, concentration and daily comfort.

Atopic dermatitis on the hands often worsens in people who frequently wash their hands or work with detergents, disinfectants, gloves or irritants. In such cases, a protective hand cream, a gentle cleanser and regular skin repair after each wash are especially important.

Common causes and triggers

Atopic dermatitis develops through a combination of genetic predisposition, a weakened skin barrier and external triggers. Not every person reacts to the same factors, but some triggers are common.

Trigger How it affects skin What may help?
Dry air and heating season The skin loses moisture faster, with more tightness, itching and flaking. Richer emollient, room humidifier and shorter lukewarm showers.
Harsh soaps and fragrances They remove the protective lipid layer and may further irritate the skin. Gentle cleansers, shower oils and fragrance-free formulas.
Wool, synthetic fabrics and friction They mechanically irritate the skin and increase itching. Soft cotton clothing and avoiding rough materials directly on the skin.
Sweating and sudden temperature changes Sweat may sting and increase itching, especially in skin folds. Lukewarm showering, gentle drying and applying an emollient.

Daily care for atopic skin

The foundation of atopic skin care is the regular use of emollients – creams, balms, lotions or oils that replenish lipids, reduce dryness and help the skin retain moisture. Care is not used only when redness appears, but every day, including periods when the skin is calmer.

It is best to apply an emollient immediately after bathing or showering, while the skin is still slightly damp. Water should not be hot, bathing should not be too long, and cleansing products should be mild, soap-free, alcohol-free and without strong fragrance.

Skin need What to choose? Example line
Daily body care Balm, lotion or rich cream for very dry skin. Eucerin AtopiControl, Bioderma Atoderm
Washing and showering Shower oil or a gentle soap-free cleanser. Eucerin AtopiControl oil, Bioderma Atoderm shower oil
Itching and tightness SOS spray, acute care or a richer balm, with pharmacist or dermatologist advice. Eucerin AtopiControl spray, Bioderma Atoderm SOS spray

Heating season and atopic dermatitis

The heating season is one of the most common periods of worsening atopic dermatitis and eczema. Indoor air becomes dry, the skin loses moisture faster, and sudden temperature changes between cold outdoor air and warm rooms further increase tightness and itching.

During this period, richer hydration is often needed: using a richer balm or cream, applying emollient several times a day to the most critical areas and avoiding long hot baths. A humidifier may also be useful, especially in the room where the child or adult spends the most time.

When should you see a doctor?

At the first appearance of persistent itchy, red or scaly changes, especially in babies and small children, it is best to seek advice from a paediatrician or dermatologist. Atopic dermatitis may resemble other skin conditions, so an accurate diagnosis matters before choosing treatment.

A doctor should be consulted if changes spread quickly, if there is weeping, pus, yellow crusts, increased warmth of the skin, pain, bleeding, fever, if itching seriously disrupts sleep or if usual care no longer helps. Dermocosmetics support prescribed therapy, but do not replace it.

Pharmacist’s advice

With atopic dermatitis, consistency is essential. Emollient is not applied only when the skin becomes red, but every day, because the goal is to keep the skin barrier more stable between flare-ups.

For babies and young children, choose fragrance-free products designed for sensitive and atopy-prone skin. In case of marked itching, weeping, crusts, infection or poor sleep due to itching, do not delay a visit to a paediatrician or dermatologist. Corticosteroid and other medicated creams should be used only as recommended by a doctor.

Professional advice: Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, Apotekarska ustanova “Alek”

Related shopping for atopic dermatitis, eczema and dry skin

Need Recommended line or category When is it useful?
Atopic and very dry skin Eucerin AtopiControl For daily care of skin prone to atopy, dryness, tightness and itching.
Atopic skin in children and adults Bioderma Atoderm For skin that needs rich hydration, comfort and gentle hygiene.
Itching due to dryness Avène XeraCalm A.D For very dry skin prone to atopy, tightness and the need for relipidising care.
Dry, very dry and sensitive skin La Roche-Posay Lipikar For daily care of skin prone to dryness, irritation and atopy.

Related blog topics

Topic Why is it related?
Dry skin – how to care for it and which cream is best? Atopic skin is often very dry, tight and prone to itching, so hydration is the foundation of daily care.
Allergy – what it is, when it occurs and how it is treated Atopic dermatitis often occurs in people prone to allergies, asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Diaper rash and skin irritation in babies and adults In babies and sensitive skin, it is important to distinguish irritation from changes resembling atopic dermatitis.

Frequently asked questions about atopic dermatitis and eczema

What does atopic dermatitis, or eczema, look like?
Atopic dermatitis most often appears as dry, red, rough or slightly thickened skin that itches. During flare-ups, flaking, small blisters, weeping, crusts or scratch marks may appear. In babies, it often affects the cheeks and outer sides of the arms and legs, while in older children and adults it is more often seen in the folds of the elbows and knees, on the hands, neck and around the eyes.

What is atopic dermatitis, dermatitis or eczema?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition linked to a weakened skin barrier, dryness and a tendency toward allergic reactions. The word “eczema” is often used as a broader everyday term for red, dry, itchy skin changes that come back repeatedly.

Is atopic dermatitis, or eczema, contagious?
No. Atopic dermatitis is not an infectious condition and is not transmitted by touch, shared towels, clothing or staying in the same room.

Does atopic dermatitis itch?
Yes. Intense itching is one of the main symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It is often most intense in the evening and at night, which may disturb sleep, especially in babies and young children.

How is atopic dermatitis, or eczema on the skin, treated?
The foundation is regular moisturising with emollients, gentle care without harsh soaps or fragrances, and avoiding known triggers. During more pronounced flare-ups, a dermatologist may prescribe local therapy for a limited period. Dermocosmetics support daily care, but do not replace treatment prescribed by a doctor.

What is the best cream for atopic dermatitis and eczema?
The best cream is the one the person tolerates well and uses regularly. Emollients, balms and fragrance-free creams for atopic, very dry and sensitive skin are commonly chosen. In case of stronger itching, redness, weeping or infection, dermatology advice is needed.

Should emollient be used only when the skin itches?
No. Emollient should be used daily, even when there is no visible redness or itching, because it helps support the skin barrier and reduces dryness and tightness.