Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by recurrent rashes and itching that develops in infancy and childhood but can also occur in adulthood. It is often associated with a personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, or asthma.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease with increasing prevalence. It is estimated that it affects approximately one in five children today (20%). The disease usually appears in the first year of life.
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
The clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis varies depending on the patient's age and the severity of the disease. Skin dryness is present at every stage of the disease. Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections are more common in patients with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis cannot be diagnosed without itching.
Intense itching is the most prominent and bothersome symptom of atopic dermatitis. Severe itching can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Disruption of sleep patterns, in particular, affects their school and work lives.
What are the causes of atopic dermatitis?
Genetic (hereditary), immunological, and environmental factors play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Eighty percent of patients have hypersensitivity to airborne allergens such as house dust allergens, pollens, and mold, as well as food allergens. Bacteria are also thought to contribute to the development of atopic dermatitis.
Factors that trigger disease flare-ups:
• Skin infections
• Some foods
• Allergens (house dust mites, animal dander, carpets, etc.)
• Emotional factors (stress)
• Weather conditions (dryness, cold weather, etc.)
What are the treatment methods for atopic dermatitis? Is there a definitive cure?
Various topical corticosteroid preparations of different strengths have been used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis for approximately half a century. These drugs have various side effects on the skin (thinning, skin infections, skin cracks, capillary dilation, intradermal bleeding, etc.) and can also cause systemic side effects when applied to large areas. Therefore, corticosteroid creams should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
As in all areas of medicine, innovations and new treatment options are emerging in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. For example, new medications that do not contain steroids (cortisone) and do not have the side effects mentioned above have been developed. These preparations have very low absorption through the skin and can be used safely, especially in infants and adults, even in sensitive areas and large areas.
Some precautions can be taken to prevent flare-ups in atopic dermatitis:
• Moisturizers should be used continuously to prevent skin dryness.
• Cotton and soft-textured clothing should be preferred.
• Bath water should be lukewarm, and moisturizing soaps or soap-free cleansers should be used. Drying should be done gently by pressing, avoiding vigorous rubbing with a towel.
• Extreme temperature and humidity variations should be avoided.
• Certain suspected factors (such as animal dander, house dust mites, certain foods, soaps and detergents, chemical solvents, bleaches, dyes, wool and synthetic fabrics, cosmetics and perfumes) should be avoided.
• Various creams and ointments containing cortisone or not containing cortisone, used in treatment, must be used under the supervision of a doctor.
• Anti-allergic covers that prevent dust mites (commonly known as house dust mites) from passing through should be used on beds, and sleeping on surfaces like armchairs and sofas that are not covered with special covers should be avoided. Products that kill dust mites should be used on carpets, armchairs, and sofas at regular intervals.
• Pets, flowers, and plants should not be kept at home; feather pillows, duvets, and woolen clothing should not be used.
Archival source
Open the original article from the old site.
← All articles