THE Atopic Dermatitis – also called Atopic Eczema – It is an inflammatory, chronic and relapsing skin disease that usually causes itching or itching.
If your child suffers from atopic dermatitis, stay calm... This disease is one of the most common dermatological problems in pediatrics! In Portugal, it affects about 10% of children, with 60% of cases starting before the 1st year of life and 85% of cases before 5 years of age.
Although the prevalence of the disease has been increasing, it tends to improve over the years, completely regressing by 70% from children to puberty! However, in some situations, it may persist throughout adult life.
People with Atopic Dermatitis are typically at a higher risk of developing food allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis, being more prevalent in people with a personal or family history of any of these pathologies! If a baby's parents or closest family members suffer from any of these diseases, the likelihood of the little ones developing Atopic Dermatitis is greater!
The ideal thing in these cases is to not take any risks and opt for fragrance-free cosmetic products and/or those suitable for atopic skin from the start.
How does it manifest?
Atopic Dermatitis appears to result from the interaction between skin barrier changes, dimmune dysregulation and environmental triggers. Atopic skin tends to be dry and rough, as it has a deficient lipid metabolism of ceramides, which leads to water loss and consequent dehydration of the skin.
One of the most important criteria to take into account when diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis is the itching, which worsens with the sweating and exposure to allergens (dust mites, pet hair, dust, etc.). The itching characteristic of the disease tends to increase at night, leading to sleepless nights and a consequent decrease in the quality of life of the patient and often their family!
To the injuries They are distributed differently depending on age – in babies and children up to 2 years old, they appear predominantly on the face (cheeks), and can spread to the neck, scalp and limbs – especially on the extensor surfaces of the elbows and knees. They are normally characterized by lesions reddish, scaly and exudative, with crusts and intense itching. In older children and adults, lesions usually occur on the flexor surfaces of the neck, knees, wrists and ankles.
How to avoid crises?
Relapses or flare-ups are a reality for those who live with Atopic Dermatitis! Despite this, many patients do not know how to avoid them... Here are some tips:
- Avoid very hot, excessive and prolonged baths, as they damage the skin barrier and delipidate the skin;
- Use cosmetic bath and moisturizing products with ingredients adapted to Atopic Dermatitis.They contain fewer surfactants and perfumes, while their nourishing texture contributes to skin hydration;
- Eliminate potential allergens from your home;
- Dry your skin by gently tapping it and without rubbing;
- Choose cotton towels, bed linen and clothes – avoid wool;
- In the case of babies, prefer rinsing care for diaper changes - Cleansing Water or Cleansing Milk – and, whenever possible, choose to clean with water. Wipes usually contain a higher amount of preservatives and should be used occasionally and not as an integral part of your baby's daily hygiene!
- Do not use a bath sponge.
How to Treat?
Although, in more serious cases and during crisis phases, the use of topical medications – corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antifungals – or systemic treatments may be necessary, cosmetic products are essential in controlling and treating the disease! It is essential to use an emollient, soothing and fragrance-free cream, adapted to this skin type, at least once a day.
Discover our favorite products:
Uriage Xémose Emollient Cream is a lipid-replenishing, nourishing and protective cream that effectively reduces itching and provides long-lasting comfort. The best part? It has a fluid, non-sticky texture that spreads easily and can be used by babies, children and adults!
Uriage Xémose Cleansing Oil, with glycerin and shea butter, creates a non-greasy protective film on the skin, protecting it against the drying effects of bathing and relieving itching, tightness and discomfort! Fragrance-free and soap-free, it is suitable for daily hygiene of the body and face of the whole family. Cleansing care, so often neglected, is as important as moisturizing cream, so it should also be adapted to atopic skin. We suggest this pack, in which the Oil is free:
Isdin Nutratopic Pro-AMP Face Cream is a moisturizing cream that strengthens the skin barrier, preventing and reducing itching, redness, flaking and reactivity typical of Atopic Dermatitis. Its active ingredients prevent bacterial adhesion and improve the skin's barrier function. It can be applied twice a day to the baby's face from birth, daily or in case of relapses.
Bioderma Atoderm Cream is a body cream from the Atoderm range, specifically formulated for dry, very dry and atopic skin. It is an ultra-hydrating and protective daily care that increases skin tolerance and strengthens it, and can be used by the whole family! Its excellent tolerance, creamy texture and rapid absorption make it one of our favorites!
Àvene Intense Protect SPF50+ is the latest Pierre Fabre innovation, an ultra-broad spectrum sunscreen – it protects against UVA, UVB and visible radiation, including blue light from screens –, ultra-resistant, with organic filters and adapted to any skin type. It can be used on babies from 6 months, children, pregnant women and even in post-surgical situations!
Uriage Xémose SOS Itching Mist is a must have! It is an ultra-light mist with instant and long-lasting soothing action, which calms itching and pruritus in less than 60 seconds.It provides intense nourishment, with 24-hour anti-relapse efficacy and can be used on babies, children and adults! It is so practical that you can take it with you and apply it wherever you are!
Did you already know the manifestations of the disease, how to avoid flare-ups and the most suitable products for Atopic Dermatitis?
