This kind of skin problem that is also known as atopic dermatitis, typically begins as rash during the early infancy or by the time your kid reach the age of five. Its symptoms include irritated and rough skin, which is scaly, red and itchy. The condition itself cannot be cured, but there are proper treatments that are available to control the rash. Still, the use of this drugs should be monitored especially for children under two years old. Use of the drug for long periods of time can cause severe side effects such as skin thinning and stretch marks. These drugs should also not be used on the face or on skin that will be covered, for instance, at the rear when a diaper will be used. The patients are also advised to continue applying moisturizers throughout the day in dry areas of the body. For the record, moisturizers do not add moisture to the skin. They actually seal in the bath water and preventing its evaporation, the reason why it is effective when applied within 3 minutes after bathing. Scratching can make the condition worse in the event that the skin is punctured or abraded allowing the entry of bacteria and germs. Keeping fingernails short can also help. To preclude of accidentally or unconsciously scratching yourself while asleep, having short fingernails is a must. Wearing cotton gloves also helps. Symptoms The reaction to allergic contact dermatitis is immediate and fast developing only a few hours after the allergen touches the person s skin. The result is an itchy, swollen and red skin. There will be blisters if the reaction is severe enough. In addition, these blisters may break and the skin may flake and crack later. Too hot or too cold exposures can also trigger itch as well as exposures to certain soaps or detergents. Animal fur and stress sometimes can trigger these flare-ups (sudden skin rashes). Luckily, the condition is not contagious and cannot be spread from one person to another. Diagnosis They can be diagnosed by any doctor, but mostly by pediatricians, allergists, and dermatologists.