Atopic dermatitis
What is atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
Atopic eczema is an itchy and chronic skin condition that can affect any part of the body and is more common in people living in urban areas and dry climates. This disease has different symptoms at different ages. Dry skin is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis. If left untreated, bacterial infections can spread to the patient's skin and worsen symptoms. Although the disease can occur after menopause, 85% of cases start under the age of 5 and usually in 60% of cases, it improves spontaneously before the age of 12, In other cases, it persists throughout life in forms such as hand eczema, eyelid eczema or contact eczema.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
Symptoms include itchy skin lesions that are usually dry and red but may ooze during an acute flare. The word atopic refers to a group of allergic diseases that often affect several members of a family and 72% of cases are inherited. Allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis or asthma or atopic eczema are seen in these families.
What can make this disease worse?
Some factors such as rapid changes in ambient temperature, infections, dry air, heavy sweating, irritating clothing and nervous stress can exacerbate the disease. In some children with the disease, some foods may also exacerbate eczema lesions, the most common of which are eggs, cow's milk and its products, nuts, especially peanuts and soy. These foods may exacerbate eczema lesions, meaning they are not the main cause of the disease. The important point is that for a growing child, there should be no unreasonable dietary restrictions.
How is this disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on your medical history and an examination by a dermatologist. There is a wide range of atopic dermatitis or eczema. It can be just a brief dry rash on the cheeks or diffuse and severe throughout the body. There can be varying degrees of skin involvement between the two. Treatment is also available for severe, widespread forms of the condition.
What precautions should be taken to prevent recurrence and exacerbation of the disease?
1- The bathing of these children should be short. Use lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry gently after bathing.
2- Take fewer baths (2 or 3 times a week) to prevent excessive dry skin. Soap and water may make the disease worse. When bathing, use special cleansing bars. Do not use soap on inflamed areas.
3- Apply a soft and moisturising cream or lotion immediately after bathing.
4- Wear loose cotton and linen clothes to help absorb sweat.
5- Minimize stress and tension as much as possible.
6- Keep nails trimmed. Note that scratching makes eczema worse. Avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes (cold or extreme heat).
7- Avoid anything that has made the disease worse before, such as foods that have previously triggered a flare.
8- Avoid contact with some substances in the air as well as dust because this can significantly cause relief and alleviate symptoms. Dust and objects that hold dust (such as pillows, cushions, curtains, rugs, sofas, some toys and wool) can make the disease worse. Therefore, the living space should be simple and free of dust accumulation.
9- Cosmetics, perfumes, sprays (insecticides and fragrances) and cigarette smoke can aggravate eczema and contact with them should be avoided.
10- Although the easiest and most available medicine to control skin lesions is corticosteroid ointments, it is better to always use these ointments under the supervision of a dermatologist. It has been observed that parents use corticosteroid ointments for their children on their own, which is wrong because these ointments have side effects when not used correctly. The side effects of these drugs can be managed and prevented if taken under the supervision of a dermatologist, especially since it is necessary to use these drugs for a long time.
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