How to take action to help your child’s eczema this winter

(BPT) - With the winter months comes colder, drier air, which can impact those prone to atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema.^1,2 But for the nearly 18 million children and adults in the U.S. living with AD,² the season’s cold temperatures may make it even more challenging to avoid skin irritation and potential flares.³

Eczema is a common skin condition that may develop during childhood and often appears as a rough, red skin rash most commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs, depending on age.⁴ About 90 percent of those with eczema have the mild-to-moderate form of the disease.⁵ Places where your body bends — like your elbows or back of your knees — are also common areas affected. However, eczema may appear differently on different people.^4,6

Being a parent, while filled with many joyous moments, comes with its fair share of challenges, especially in the winter. In addition to managing the usual busy schedules, it’s suddenly your job to fend off colds, restock tissues and make sure everyone is bundled up, all while keeping track of assorted gloves, hats and mittens. And if you’re caring for a child with eczema or even living with eczema yourself, well, you may have even more on your plate in the winter. This can leave you wondering, “how do I deal with it all?”

Below are a few suggestions to help care for your or your child’s eczema as the weather gets colder.

1. Stock up on moisturizers for your daily routine. Moisturizers like creams, ointments, and lotions can help keep skin hydrated, but it’s important to know what works best for your child.^7,8 Keep in mind your day-to-day lifestyle habits in order to develop a daily application routine that works best for your family. Applying after bathing may be an ideal time to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated.^4,8 And remember, even though the idea of a hot bath on a cold day may sound cozy and comforting, it may cause your child to experience eczema flares.⁷ Instead, try limiting your child’s bath time to 5 or 10 minutes and using warm (not hot) water.⁸
2. Dress your child in smooth fabrics.
   As cute as your child might look bundled up in a fuzzy sweater and mittens, remember that rough fabrics such as wool can irritate the skin and even trigger their eczema.⁹ Consider layering loose-fitting, open-weave or cotton-blended fibers instead.³
3. Regulate the temperature. Cold, low humidity environments may promote dry skin.¹ Even if the weather is wet, humidity tends to remain low in the winter.¹⁰ Unfortunately, you can’t control Mother Nature, but there are steps you can take to make your home a lot more comfortable for your child’s skin. By cranking up the heat, you can make your home even drier.^10,11 Add moisture to your home by using a freestanding humidifier or installing one that works with your home’s heating and air conditioning unit.³ Being more mindful of frequent and sudden changes in air temperature may be beneficial for your skin.³
4. Connect with other parents. As a parent, you aren’t alone. There’s a large community of people who understand what you’re going through and are ready to listen. Online platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow people living with the skin disease to connect with other patients and caregivers and share their personal stories.

While there is no cure for eczema,¹² there are treatment options available, including EUCRISA^® (crisaborole) ointment, 2%, a 100 percent steroid-free treatment for mild-to-moderate eczema in adults and children as young as two.¹³ Discuss treatment options with your child’s doctor and work together to find a plan that may be appropriate for your child. If you have tried EUCRISA and are interested in sharing your story with others, email sharingmystory@pfizer.com or call 1-877-256-8409.

EUCRISA is a topical treatment that can be used from nose to toes. EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth or vagina. It works above and below the skin to treat eczema. The active ingredient in EUCRISA is crisaborole 2%, which acts deep within skin cells to target phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4).¹³ PDE4 is an enzyme that helps to regulate inflammation in your body. When you have eczema, PDE4 enzymes may be overactive in your skin cells. This can lead to inflammation in your skin. Reducing PDE4 activity decreases substances in your skin that are thought to cause inflammation related to eczema.^14,15,16 The specific way EUCRISA works is not well defined.¹³

Crisaborole is combined with an Emollient-Rich Vehicle ointment. Ointments contain emollients, which can help lock in moisture and soften the skin.^8,13

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

Do not use EUCRISA if you are allergic to crisaborole or any of the ingredients in EUCRISA.

EUCRISA may cause side effects including allergic reactions at or near the application site. These can be serious and may include hives, itching, swelling and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using EUCRISA and get medical help right away.

The most common side effect of EUCRISA is application site pain, such as burning or stinging.

EUCRISA is for use on skin (topical use) only. Do not use EUCRISA in your eyes, mouth or vagina.

INDICATION

EUCRISA is a prescription ointment used on the skin (topical) to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.

See Full Prescribing Information at EUCRISA.com.

The information above, along with the treatment regimen that you and your doctor decide upon, may help provide a better understanding of your eczema. If you have additional questions, be sure to speak with your doctor.

For more information about EUCRISA, visit www.EUCRISA.com or call 1-866-EUCRISA (1-866-382-7472).

The EUCRISA Copay Savings Card is now available for eligible patients for as little as $10.* You can receive your card by texting ESAVES to 42762 or by visiting our website: https://www.eucrisa.com/eucrisa-4-you. Mobile terms and conditions apply. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for info, STOP to opt out. See terms and conditions.

Patients enrolled in a state or federally funded prescription insurance program may not use this savings card even if they elect to be processed as uninsured (cash-paying) patients.

By opting into the EUCRISA mobile program, you consent to receive up to 10 marketing or not-marketing text messages and/or push notifications per month from Pfizer Inc., such as refill reminders, fill confirmation and website information.

Pfizer reserves the right to rescind, revoke or amend this offer without notice.

*Eligibility required. Savings up to $700 per tube. Annual savings up to $2,800. State and Federal Beneficiaries not eligible. No membership fees. Terms and conditions apply.

If you have any questions or are in need of additional support, call 1-877-548-1739. Pfizer, PO Box 29487, Mission, KS 66201. Visit the EUCRISA website at www.EUCRISA.com.

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

PP-CRI-USA-1685

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13. EUCRISA^® (crisaborole). Full Prescribing Information. December 2018.
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