What is Atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inamed skin. It’s common in young children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting and tends to are sometimes. It can be irritating but it’s not contagious. People with atopic dermatitis are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.
Atopic dermatitis often begins before age ve and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it ares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.
What are the symptoms of Atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. They may include:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Itchiness (pruritus)
- Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
- Small, raised bumps on brown or black skin
- Oozing and crusting
- Thickened skin
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes
- Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
What causes Atopic dermatitis?
In some people, atopic dermatitis is related to a gene variation that aects the skin’s ability to provide protection. With a weak barrier function, the skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bacteria, irritants, allergens and environmental factors.
In other people, atopic dermatitis is caused by too much of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on the skin. This displaces helpful bacteria and disrupts the skin’s barrier function.
A weak skin barrier function might also trigger an immune system response that causes the inamed skin and other symptoms.
How is the diagnosis made?
Your healthcare provider will examine your skin and review your medical and family history. In some cases, they may perform a skin or blood test to be sure of the diagnosis.
What are the complications?
Complications of atopic dermatitis (eczema) may include:- Asthma and hay fever. Many people with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and hay fever. This can happen before or after developing atopic dermatitis.
- Food allergies. People with atopic dermatitis often develop food allergies. One of the main symptoms of this condition is hives (urticaria).
- Chronic itchy, scaly skin. A skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) starts with a patch of itchy skin. You scratch the area, which provides only temporary relief. Scratching actually makes the skin itchier because it activates the nerve bers in your skin. Over time, you may scratch out of habit. This condition cancause the aected skin to become discolored, thick and leathery.
- Patches of skin that’s darker or lighter than the surrounding area. This complication after the rash has healed is called post-inammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. It’s more common in people with brown or black skin. It might take several months for the discoloration to fade.
- Skin infections. Repeated scratching that breaks the skin can cause open sores and cracks. These increase the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses. These skin infections can spread and become life-threatening.
- Irritant hand dermatitis. This especially aects people whose hands are often wet and exposed to harsh soaps, detergents and disinfectant at work.
- Allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is common in people with atopic dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by touching substances you’re allergic to. The color of the rash varies depending on your skin color.
- Sleep problems. The itchiness of atopic dermatitis can interfere with sleep.
- Mental health conditions. Atopic dermatitis is associated with depression and anxiety. This may be related to the constant itching and sleep problems common among people with atopic dermatitis.
How is atopic dermatitis treated?
There’s no cure for atopic dermatitis, but the condition can be managed with proper care. Treatment options include corticosteroid creams, antihistamines and prescription medications.
What is the role of Homeopathy?
- Reducing the itching, redness and peeling of skin during the areup
- Gradually reducing dependency on steroids and anti allergic medicines
- Preventing complications and recurrent flareups
- Managing other physical disorders or risk factors
- Mental and emotional wellness, which in turn, will guarantee overall physical well being
Can the areups be prevented?
Developing a basic skin care routine may help prevent eczema ares. The following tips may help reduce the drying eects of bathing:
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Creams, ointments, shea butter and lotions seal in moisture. Choose a product or products that work well for you. Ideally, the best one for you will be safe, eective, aordable and unscented. Using petroleum jelly on your baby’s skin may help prevent development of atopic dermatitis
- Take a warm bath or shower. Use warm, rather than hot, water and limit your bath or shower to about 10 minutes.
- Use a gentle, nonsoap cleanser. Choose a cleanser that’s free of dyes, alcohols and fragrance. For young children, you usually need only warm water to get them clean — no soap or bubble bath needed. Soap can be especially irritating to the skin of young children. For people of any age, deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove too much of the skin’s natural oils and dry the skin. Don’t scrub the skin with a washcloth or loofah.
- Pat dry. After bathing, gently pat the skin with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp (within three minutes).
- Avoid scratching. If your skin is itchy, try pressing on it instead of scratching it. If your child has atopic dermatitis, trim their nails and consider having them wear gloves while they sleep.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid tight or scratchy clothing that could make itching worse.
- Use a humidier. If the air in your home or work environment is too dry, it can make your atopic dermatitis symptoms worse. A humidier adds moisture to the air, which can help your condition.
- Purchase dye- and perfume-free soaps. Mild, unscented soaps are best for people with atopic dermatitis.
- Find ways to reduce stress. Because stress and anxiety can trigger atopic dermatitis, mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing symptoms.