Atopic Dermatitis – also called Atopic Eczema – is an inflammatory, chronic and relapsing skin disease that usually causes itching or itching.
If your child suffers from atopic dermatitis, keep calm... This disease is one of the most frequent 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 the age of 5.
Although the prevalence of the disease has been increasing, it tends to improve over the years, regressing completely in 70% of children by puberty ! However, in some situations, it may persist throughout adult life.
People with Atopic Dermatitis are usually 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 the parents or closest relatives of a baby suffer from any of these diseases, the probability of the little ones developing Atopic Dermatitis is greater!
The ideal in these cases is not to risk it and opt early on for cosmetic products without perfume and/or suitable for atopic skin.
How does it manifest?
Atopic Dermatitis seems to result from the interaction between changes in the skin barrier , immune 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 bear in mind when diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis is itching , which gets worse with sweating and exposure to allergens (mites, pet hair, dust...). The characteristic pruritus of the disease tends to increase during the night, leading to sleepless nights and consequent decrease in the quality of life of the patient and often of his family!
The lesions are distributed differently according to age – in babies and children up to 2 years of age, they manifest 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 usually characterized by reddish , scaly and exudative lesions, with crusts and intense itching. In older children and adults, lesions commonly occur on the flexor surfaces of the neck, knees, wrists, and ankles.
How to avoid crises?
Relapses or crises 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 attack the skin barrier and delipidate the skin;
- Use cosmetic bath and hydration products with ingredients adapted to Atopic Dermatitis. They contain less surfactants and perfumes, while their nourishing texture contributes to skin hydration;
- Eliminate potential allergens from home;
- Dry the skin with light touches and without rubbing;
- Opt for towels, bedding and cotton clothes - avoid wool;
- In the case of babies, prefer rinsing care for diaper change - Cleaning Water or Cleaning 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 the baby's daily hygiene!
- Do not use a bath sponge.
How to Treat?
Although, in more severe cases and in crisis phases, the use of topical medications – corticoids, immunomodulators, antifungals – or systemic drugs may be necessary, cosmetic products are fundamental in controlling and treating the disease! It is essential to use an emollient, soothing and fragrance-free cream, adapted to this type of skin, 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 and non-sticky texture, easy to spread 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 effect of the bath and relieving itching, tightness and discomfort! Fragrance-free and soap-free, it is indicated for the daily hygiene of the body and face of the whole family. Cleansing care, so often overlooked, is just as important as moisturizing cream, which is why it should also be adapted to atopic skin. We suggest this pack, in which the Oil is offered:
Isdin Nutratopic Pro-AMP Face Cream is a moisturizing cream that reinforces the skin barrier, prevents and reduces 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 on the baby's face from birth, daily or on relapses.
Bioderma Atoderm Creme 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 favourites!
Àvene Intense Protect SPF50+ is the latest Pierre Fabre innovation, an ultra-wide spectrum sunscreen – it protects against UVA, UVB and visible radiation, including blue light from screens –, ultra-resistant, with organic filters and adapted to any type of skin. It can be used in babies from 6 months, children, pregnant women and even in post-surgical situations!
Uriage Xémose Mist SOS Pruritus is a must have! It is an ultra-light mist with an instant and long-lasting soothing action, which soothes itching and itching in less than 60 seconds. It nourishes intensely, with a 24-hour anti-recurrence effect and can be used in 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 crises and the most suitable products for Atopic Dermatitis?
