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Because atopic dermatitis is likely an inherited condition, there is no way to prevent it. However, there are many preventative steps that can be taken to reduce symptoms. These include avoiding the following triggers:
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Excessive heat and sweating
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Emotional stress
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Bacterial skin infections
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Cold air or conditions likely to make the skin dry
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Soaps and detergents
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Fabrics likely to irritate the skin, especially wool
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Tight clothing
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Some skin care products (e.g., astringents, alcohol-containing products)
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Tobacco smoke
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Certain chemicals (e.g., chlorine)
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Acidic foods
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Dust
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Sand
In addition to avoiding triggers, patients can make several behavioral modifications that will help reduce symptoms:
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Avoid taking long or hot baths or showers.
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After showers and baths, lightly blot skin with towels rather than rubbing intensely.
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Regular use of unscented moisturizing creams can keep the skin from drying out. Dry skin is more sensitive to irritants, and also lacks a moisture barrier to protect it from irritants.
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Avoid scratching as much as possible. Excessive scratching can have a devastating long-term effect on skin conditions.
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Use doctor-approved medications to reduce itching. Because atopic dermatitis almost always causes intense itching, it is important to consult a physician about medications that can safely relieve these symptoms.
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Keep fingernails short and clean to reduce the chance of infecting the skin when scratching. Cover infants’ hands with mittens or socks to keep them from scratching the area.
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Learn to manage stress. Patients may benefit from learning stress management techniques and participating in stress-reducing activities such as exercise and meditation.
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Use detergents that are perfume and color free. Running clothing through a second rinse cycle can also help remove potentially irritating detergent from clothing.
Studies have shown that children who are breastfed are much less likely to get eczema. In addition, some research indicates that mothers who exclude cow's milk from their diets can significantly reduce their breastfed child's likelihood of developing atopic dermatitis. However, this link has not yet been well-established. | 
