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
Get the best treatment for Atopic dermatitis from top Dermatologistsat Medicover Hospitals.
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 |
Atopic Dermatitis Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing empathetic healthcare services to our patients. Our diagnostic department is equipped with modern technology and equipment to conduct the tests required for the diagnosis of Atopic dermatitis. We have an excellent team of Dermatologists who diagnose and treat this condition with utmost precision that bring successful treatment outcomes.
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