What is Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis(AD), commonly known as Eczema is the most common type of long-term inflammatory skin condition.
Eczema cause the breakdown of the skin barrier and its ability to hold moisture, which makes the skin dry, itchy and more sensitive to irritants and allergens.
Eczema affects individuals of all age groups, but most commonly begins in infancy or early childhood and sometimes continues into adulthood. Some imdividuls who have AD may go on to develop asthma and or allergic rhinitis or food allergies.
Causes of Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
Irritants - wool or synthetic clothing, soaps, detergents, perspiration, disinfectants & chemical regents, insect dropping or feathers.
Contact allergens - certain preservatives in topical formulation, strong perfume-based products, leaves like parthenium(congress grass), metals and latex.
Foods/dietory factors - Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soya, fish, shelfish, and others such as sesame, kiwi and legumes.
Inhalant allergens(aero-allergens) -House dust mites, animal dander, cockroach, certain grass or weed pollens and moulds.
Microbial colonization or infection - Staphylococus aureus, streptococcus species, Candida albicans, Pityrosporum yeasts, herpes simplex.
Climate - Extremes of temperature and humidity
Environmental factors - hard water, cooking with gas, proximity to road traffic and environmental tobacco smoke
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema
In babies, symptoms usually affect the face, neck, scalp, elbows, and knees. In children, symptoms usually affects the skin inside the elbows, on the back of the knees, the sides of the neck, around the mouth, and on the wrists, ankles, and hands.
Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:
● Thickened skin
● Small, raised bumps that may become crusty and leak fluid if scratched
● Rough bumps on the face, upper arms, and thighs
●Darkened skin of eyelids or around the eyes
●Skin changes around the mouth, eyes, or ears
●Raised, red areas(hives)
Major symptoms of atopic dermatitis includes Dry, scaly skin, Severe itching, redness and swelling.
Management of Atopic Dermatitis and enczema
There may be times when your child has few or no synonyms. And he or she may have times when symptoms get worse. This is called a flare-up. To help prevent flare-ups, make sure your child:
●Uses moisturizer: Apply creams/lotions/ointments post bathing. Ensure you use a moisturizer designed for eczema.
●Uses the right cleanser: use soap free cleanser with no harsh chemicals like sulphates, phthalates or paraben to avoid skin irritation
●Takes bath or showers with lukeworm water not hot water: Gently pat dry the skin afterward.
●Stays away from triggers: common triggers include irritants such as wool, soap, or chemicals; allergens such as eggs, dust mites, or pet dander and stress.
●Doesn't scratch the skin : Try to keep your child away from scratching and keep the finger nails short. As excessive scratching can cause symptoms to get worse and lead to infections.
●Wears soft clothing: Doesn't dress your child in wool or other rough fabric.
● Keeps cool: Try to keep your child as cool as possible, Getting hot and sweating can make him or her more uncomfortable.
What is the right moisturizer in eczema?
Well, when it comes to eczema, choosing the right moisturizer plays a vital role. While a moisturizer must address the skin barrier abnormalities, restore the pH, reduce itching and inflammation but at the same time should also establish a proper balance of good and bad bacteria. As in case of eczema this balance is disturbed, only the right choice of parabiotic based moisturizer will help restore this balance.
What is the right cleanser for eczema ?
A cleanser designed for eczema should
1. Be hypoallergenic & dermatologically tested
2. Be devoid of any harsh surfactants
3. Help stabilize the skin microbiome
4. Protect the acid mantle - outer protective layer of the skin
