This skin disease affects 20% of children under 3 years old. Specific care and hygiene gestures allow you to live better with atopic dermatitis.

Definition

Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a very common chronic skin disease. Atopic dermatitis most often begins in the first three months of life. The majority of atopic dermatitis improves and then disappears during childhood. 

Causes 

Atopic dermatitis is caused by a genetic defect in the skin barrier. This anomaly is responsible for the excessive dryness of the skin and its permeability to all external aggressions (allergens present in the environment – pollens, dust, mites, food allergens, etc.). It corresponds, in particular, to the fact of possessing and to produce too much specific antibodies, called immunoglobulins E (IgE).

Diagnostic

The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on questioning and physical examination. This skin disease affects 20% of children under 3 and 10% of adults in France. The number of cases of atopic dermatitis is constantly increasing. 

Those who have atopic dermatitis are genetically predisposed to have this disease. They have an atopic family background. Almost 80% of children with eczema have a family history.

Atopic dermatitis is a disease that progresses in flare-ups. It manifests itself as dry, porous skin.

During relapses, atopic dermatitis is signaled by red patches (dry or oozing with vesicles, scabs), or edema, accompanied by severe itching… which in turn, generate lesions. These plaques can be located on the cheeks (especially in small children), arms, legs, wrists and often in the folds. 

A significant impact on the quality of life 

Atopic dermatitis has a significant impact on the quality of life, especially if it is severe. children. It interferes with sleep in particular because of the itching and can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and even depression.

The classic treatment of Eczema is based on two principles: immediate treatment of inflammation and daily hydration of the skin.

During flare-ups, to calm the inflammation of the skin, topical corticosteroids are applied to the lesions. 

The cortisone-based creams prescribed by the doctor should be applied rigorously to the eczema patches until their complete disappearance. These creams restore the skin barrier to prevent allergens and microorganisms in the atmosphere from entering the skin.

Emollients are the basic treatment for atopic dermatitis. It is essential to treat the dryness of the skin in depth. The more hydrated the skin is, the better it defends itself against environmental aggressions (pollution, allergens, etc.). The application of neutral moisturizers without perfume or preservatives (emollients) should be daily or twice daily. 

When this basic treatment is not enough, local alternatives, herbal medicine and immunosuppressants can be used. 

Natural treatments for atopic dermatitis 

Anti-eczema nutrients that can fight anti-inflammatory reactions can provide relief for people with atopic dermatitis: essential fatty acids. To ensure a supply of omega 3 fatty acids, in particular gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), it is advisable to consume linseed oil, borage oil, evening primrose and hemp oils, walnuts, oily fish.

Certain environmental factors favor flare-ups, such as contact with irritants (soaps, detergents, rough fabrics, etc.), certain foods, heat and sweat. The dryness of the ambient air, teething, certain changes in situation, stress can also cause itching and a flare-up of eczema.

Some rules of hygiene of life make it possible to limit the outbreaks and to protect the skin:

• Do a gentle cleansing of the skin with a soap without soap: dermatological bar or liquid gel (syndet)
• Better to focus on showers for washing. It is advisable to add a lipid-replenishing oil in the bath water. The water temperature must not exceed 34 C and the duration of the bath must not exceed 10 minutes. 
• Dab the skin to dry it, not rub it with a towel. 
• Apply the emollient treatment to still damp skin for better penetration. 
• Avoid woolen clothes, a source of irritation and favor cotton.
• A temperature of 19-20 C is sufficient especially in the bedroom.

It is also recommended to space out eczema outbreaks to manage stress with relaxation techniques: anti-stress objects, massage wheel, sophrology, yoga, hypnosis …