Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a genetic character that is not contagious.
It appears in between 10 and 20% of children and manifests itself with skin irritation and frequent itching that affects not only the children's quality of life and sleep , but also that of the adults who live with it.
Although it frequently appears in babies and children , symptoms generally improve as they grow, but it can persist or even appear in adolescence or adulthood.
In this article we will talk about what to do to alleviate symptoms and prevent attacks through simple measures and products specially formulated for atopic skin.
1.WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but it is believed to be the result of genetic, immunological and environmental factors .
There is an abnormal and exaggerated response of the immune system to external agents, which leads to itching, redness and skin rashes that can become cracks due to repeated scratching.
Atopic skin is drier and more sensitive and has an ineffective skin barrier due to insufficient hydrolipid film (lipid/water emulsion), not effectively fulfilling its defense function against external agents. It is more permeable , not effectively isolating substances that come into contact with the skin, such as allergens, dust, irritating substances and even microorganisms that cause infections.
There is also a greater loss of transepidermal water with skin dehydration.
Changes in the normal skin flora and intestinal microbiome are also observed in many cases.
Individuals with atopic dermatitis have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis, and therefore it may be necessary to consult an immunoallergologist in addition to a dermatologist or pediatrician.
It is thought that the prevalence in urban areas is due to environmental factors such as pollutants , an unbalanced diet with little fiber and a lot of fat and sugar , with intestinal dysbiosis (change in normal gastric flora). In these cases, It may be useful to take a probiotic to restore intestinal flora.
2.SYMPTOMS
Generally speaking, the skin is dry, rough and scaly.
In children , it is characterized by:
- Frequent skin itching , redness and lesions (scales and crusts), which on the face are usually located mainly on the cheeks and eyelids , and, on the body, the most affected areas tend to be the flexor areas (folds) of the arms and legs.
- Peeling and cracking may also occur as a result of scratching and resulting infection.
In adults , the lesions are mostly located on the hands and feet , in the flexible areas of the limbs and in the cervical region with thicker, rougher and darker skin.
Crises can be triggered by external agents such as detergents and irritating chemical agents, frequent hand washing, sudden changes in temperature, intense sweating, emotional stress.
In the most serious cases, the lesions can affect almost the entire face and body.
3.BASIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
Although there is no way to prevent atopic dermatitis, some measures can be taken to help control symptoms and avoid flare-ups.
Here are some tips:
- Take a quick shower with warm water and using gentle, non-slippery, perfume-free cleansing agents specific for atopic skin. One example is shower oils. They must be applied by hand and do not use bath gloves or sponges to rub the skin. Gently dry the skin with a soft cotton towel, without rubbing.
- Take a shower immediately after physical activity to avoid irritation from sweat .
- Keep babies' and children's nails well cut and clean to avoid microbial infections secondary to scratching. If necessary, you can place handles on the baby's hands.
- Clothing that comes into contact with the skin, such as underwear, t-shirts and bed linen, should be made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Choose loose, comfortable clothes to avoid friction and breathable clothes to prevent excessive sweating. They should be rinsed well after washing to remove detergent residue and do not use fabric softeners as they contain perfume. You can opt for specific detergents for sensitive skin like those from Chicco.
- Excess heat and sudden changes in temperature can worsen the condition and therefore, rooms should be kept at a comfortable temperature, but not too hot (maximum 18 degrees).
- Dust mites and dust are also factors that worsen symptoms, so you should keep your home, especially your rooms, well ventilated and remove curtains, rugs, carpets and soft toys and vacuum regularly.
- Animal hair and feathers can also worsen symptoms and make attacks more frequent.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores to protect yourself from the irritating action of detergents and bleach and opt for mild cleaning products whenever possible.
- In the case of adults, stress can trigger outbreaks, and therefore relaxation or meditation techniques can be useful to lower their levels.
The first line of treatment should not be corticosteroids, but rather emollients that help to replenish the skin barrier and maintain its isolation and protection function.
- Emollients should be applied to the entire body and face immediately after bathing and, with the skin still a little damp to maintain skin hydration, at least once a day. Opt for ranges formulated for atopic skin that are fragrance-free and minimalist, formulated to minimize the risk of irritation. They replenish the skin's fat, reduce dehydration and also contain calming and soothing substances to calm irritation and itching. They come in various presentations, such as milks, creams and balms, which are easy to spread.
It may be necessary to reapply them during the day, especially on the hands and face, which are more subject to frequent washing and external aggressions. They should always be within reach (in your school backpack, sports bag, lady's bag, bedside table). You can use hand creams and sprays with soothing action and thermal water before applying the cream, which will penetrate more easily into moistened skin.
Cosmetics for atopic skin should be preferred because they are specifically formulated to respond to the skin's needs and respect its sensitivity.
- Hypoallergenic (formulated to reduce the appearance of an allergic reaction).
- No perfumes.
- With minimal preservatives (some in airless packaging) and minimalist formulas.
- Gentle and with soothing ingredients such as chamomile, colloidal oatmeal.
- Nourishing with glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, ceramides.
Do not forget:
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and specific treatment guidelines, as atopic skin treatment can be adjusted according to the needs and degree of the disease.