Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a condition of inflamed skin and itchiness, it is also known as Eczema. Mostly affecting children, eczema can affect almost anyone. Atopic dermatitis is persistent (chronic) and recurs frequently.As there is no treatment that cures this condition permanently, but there are few remedies such aspractices can lessen irritation and stop further outbreaks. For instance, it's beneficial to steer clear of abrasive soaps, or ensure you moisturise your skin frequently, and use only prescribed lotions or ointments.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis differ from person to person and may include:

Dryness in the skin
Itching, which can be intense, is most noticeable at night
Rashes
Reddish or brownish-grey patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in babies, the face and scalp, red to brownish-grey patches can be found.
Small, raised lumps that, if scraped, could ooze fluid and crust over
Scaly, cracked, and thickened skin.
Skin that gets raw, sensitive, and swollen from itching.

Most frequently, atopic dermatitis starts before the age of five and can last throughout adolescence and adulthood. Some people experience intermittent flare-ups followed by periods of time, even years, when it is completely clear.

When to see a doctor?

One should immediately consult a physician in the following cases:

Sleep disturbances and discomfort in performing day-to-day activities
Infection on the skin, red streaks, pus, and/or yellow scabs
Despite using home treatments, the skin issue persists
Episodes of skin rash are followed by fever

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Causes

A combination of immune system activity, genetics, environmental factors contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis.

Your body’s defence mechanism

Your immune system overreacts to minor irritants or allergens. This overreaction may cause skin inflammation.

Family history

If your family has a dermatitis history, you are more likely to develop eczema. Additionally, if you have a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies, you are at a higher risk. Pollen, pet hair, and sea foods are examples of allergens, which cause allergic reactions. Additionally, there may be a change in your genes that govern a protein that supports the maintenance of healthy skin in your body. Your skin won't be totally healthy if certain proteins are not present at regular levels.

Surroundings

The environment contains several things that can irritate your skin. Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, harsh soaps, wool clothing, and various skin care products are a few examples. Your skin may become dry and irritated in low humidity (dry air). Sweating during excess heat or humidity can exacerbate the itching.

Stress or anxiety:

Your level of stress (both physical or mental/emotional) may trigger or aggravate this condition.

Risk factors

In this disease, hay fever or asthma diagnosis or family history is the main risk factor for developing an atopic dermatitis.

Complications

Complications of atopic dermatitis are:

Chronic itchy, scaly skin
Habit of scratching
Other serious skin infections
Irritant hand dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis

Prevention

You can take the following actions to possibly stop eczema outbreaks:

In order to maintain healthy skin, develop a skin care program and adhere to the advice of your doctor.
If your profession requires you to work with water on your hands, wear gloves. To absorb sweat, layer cotton gloves inside plastic ones. Also, wear gloves outside, especially in the winter.
When taking a bath, use a moisturising soap or body wash, and pat, not rub, your skin dry. Immediately after drying your skin, use a moisturising cream to help lock in the moisture. Apply the cream again every two to three hours.
Use lukewarm water for bathing.
Every day, consume at least eight glasses of water. Your skin stays moist with the help of water.
Avoid excess perspiration.
Dress casually in cotton and other natural fabrics. Before wearing, wash new garments.
Avoid going in areas with humidity and high temperatures.
Learn how to identify and handle stress in your life. Regular aerobic exercise, interests, and stress-reduction methods like yoga or meditation may be helpful.
Reduce your exposure to recognized allergies and irritants.
Refrain from touching or scratching irritated skin.

Diagnosis

Atopic dermatitis cannot be diagnosed with a lab test. By checking your skin and looking over your medical history, your doctor will probably determine your diagnosis. In order to exclude other skin conditions or recognize conditions that go together with this disease, he or she may also perform patch testing or few other tests.
Inform the doctor if you believe a certain food causes a rash and inquire about determining possible food allergies.

Treatment

Atopic dermatitis may last for years. To control it, you might need to try a variety of medications over a course of months or even years. Additionally, even after successful therapy, signs and symptoms could come back (flare).

Creams that soothe irritation and support skin restoration

Corticosteroid cream or ointment may be recommended by your doctor. After moisturising, use as directed. Excessive use of this medication may cause skin thinning, hence doctors instructions must be followed carefully.

Medication to treat infections

If you have a bacterial infection, an open sore, or fissures in your skin, your doctor might advise using an antibiotic cream. Your doctor may also briefly advise you to take oral antibiotics to treat an infection.

Medicines taken orally to reduce inflammation

Your doctor could recommend oral corticosteroids, like prednisone, for more severe cases. While these medications are efficient, the possibility of major adverse effects prevents their long-term usage.

Alternative treatment for severe eczema

Dupilumab is a brand-new injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody) that was recently approved by the FDA. It is used to treat patients with serious illnesses who don't react well to other forms of therapy. As it is a recent medicine studies are going on this medication to determine the clinical efficacy and safety profile of its long term use.

Infantile eczema is treated using the following methods

The detection and avoidance of skin irritants
Keeping the child away from severe temperatures
Using lotions, ointments, or bath oils to lubricate the baby's skin

If these steps don't help the rash clear up or if the rash appears infectious, take your child to the doctor. To cure an infection or to control the rash, your baby may require prescription medicine.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:

Moisturising, at least twice every day
Using an anti-itch cream
Usage of an oral antihistamine or allergy medicine
Avoid scratching and touching the affected area
Taking a luke warm water bath
Use gentle soaps that are devoid of colours or fragrances
Employ a humidifier
Put on relaxed, slick-textured attire
Reduce anxiety and stress

Do’s and Don’ts

A person with Atopic dermatitis has to follow sets of do’s and don’ts to manage it and related symptoms and infections.

Do’s	Don’ts
Visit a skin specialist as soon as you notice changes on your skin	Forget to take medications
Wear protective and comfortable clothing	Scratch or touch affected area
Take a luke warm water bath	Eat food that causes allergy