A couple of urea-containing products to try include Carmol 10 or 20, or Ultra Mide 25. Use antihistamines for atopics. Antihistamines block the release of histamine from mast cells, thereby reducing such classic allergy symptoms as headaches, runny nose, and itching. Antihistamines reduce itching by preventing histamine from reaching and swelling sensitive skin cells. A note of caution, however, antihistamines must sometimes be taken in large doses to bring relief.
Drowsiness can result, leading to possible problems with driving or handling dangerous machinery.
Wash once, rinse twice. Don't overdetergent your clothes when washing, and always use a second rinse cycle to get all the soap out. Atopics should be seen by an ophthalmologist more frequently than other people. He is author of Beauty is Skin Deep. Hillard H. Pearlstein, M.D., is a private practitioner and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York in New York City.