Atopic dermatitis in children: causes, symptoms, prevention and care products

It is important to understand that atopy or a tendency to atopy is not a disease, but a skin condition that, with improper or insufficient care, can flow into dermatitis. Atopy is also accompanied by severe dryness, pronounced peeling, a feeling of tightness and itching. In this case, properly selected care will help restore comfort to the skin.

Atopic dermatitis and atopy – what is it?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease in which the barrier function of the epidermis is impaired. The basis of the disease is a violation of the proper functioning of the epidermal barrier of the skin. The disease proceeds in waves and exacerbations are replaced by periods of remission. Relapses are accompanied by severe itching, peeling, small rashes, dryness and redness of the skin.

Atopic dermatitis can be inherited, be the result of a decrease in immunity or an allergic reaction. According to clinical studies, if one parent has atopic dermatitis, then the risk of developing the disease in a child increases to 50%, and if both parents – up to 80%.

It is important to distinguish between the concepts of “atopic dermatitis” and “atopy”. atopy or atopic skin – not yet dermatitis, this is a condition of the epidermis with characteristic manifestations, for example, extreme dryness and hypersensitivity. Atopy under certain conditions can transform into atopic dermatitis. With proper care for a child’s skin prone to atopy, you can prolong its comfort, prevent increased dryness and weakening of the lipid / protective barrier.

What does atopic dermatitis look like: symptoms

How does atopic dermatitis manifest itself in children? By what signs to recognize the disease in a child – says dermatovenereologist Alexander Prokofiev, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand:

• The disease is accompanied by constant and very severe itching, which becomes a frequent cause of sleep disturbance and the nervous state of the child.

“You must not allow the child to comb the lesions – the itching only intensifies, and the already irritated skin is damaged even more, the immunity of the epidermis decreases, microcracks and wounds appear that are easy to infect.”

• The skin acquires an uneven relief and color: it peels off, becomes rough, dense, dry, covered with cracks.
• Atopic dermatitis is localized mainly in the places where the skin is folded: elbows, knees, wrists. In infancy, atopic dermatitis occurs primarily on the face: in the eyelids and on the cheeks, behind the ears and on the neck.

Causes of atopic dermatitis in children

Various factors can provoke an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis: improperly selected skin care, aeroallergens (house dust mites, plant pollen), climate (very dry air and low humidity), stress, lack of sleep, teething, tobacco smoke. 

Often the course of the disease is caused by skin sensitization:

• There is a reaction to food allergens, for example, milk protein and cereals in babies.
• The skin microbiome is disrupted, which can lead to fungal infections.
• The skin reacts to the chemical composition of cosmetics for care or household chemicals: washing powder, fabric softener.
• There may be a reaction to synthetic fabrics.

Diagnosis of childhood atopic dermatitis

With obvious symptoms of atopic dermatitis in a child – peeling, itching of the skin in places of large folds – consult a dermatologist or allergist. Based on the physical examination and the results of the tests, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Since the disease is often genetic in nature, it is difficult to completely get rid of it. But by observing appropriate care and following the clinical recommendations of a doctor, it is possible to minimize outbreaks of the inflammatory process and enter a long-term remission.

Atopy prone skin care

Properly selected care for the skin of a child prone to atopy can minimize the risk of uncomfortable skin sensations and serve as a prevention of excessive dryness in adulthood. As a regular beauty routine, choose specially formulated skin care products for atopic-prone skin, with an emphasis on soothing, softening, moisturizing and reducing discomfort formulas. – dermatovenereologist Alexander Prokofiev, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand.

For cleansing, choose hypoallergenic and mild formulas suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Reduce the bathing time of the child to 5 minutes at a water temperature of no higher than 37 degrees so that the affected areas do not steam out. Do not rub the child with a towel, gently pat the body with paper napkins.

Try Lipikar AP+ OIL Emollient Bath & Shower Oil for dry and atopic skin in babies, children and adults. The lipid-replenishing formula gently cleanses, moisturizes, visibly softens and soothes the skin.

Lipikar Syndet AP+ cream-gel may also be suitable for bathing babies. Does not leave a feeling of dryness and tightness, moisturizes, softens, restores.

Moisturize your skin regularly, use emollients. Try Lipikar AP+M Triple Action Balm with Shea Butter and Niacinamide. The product instantly moisturizes for 48 hours (confirmed by an instrumental test, 26 respondents), soothes, softens dry skin, regulates the skin microbiome.

You can spray La Roche-Posay Thermal Water on the skin: its rich mineral composition not only moisturizes, but also soothes, softens, relieves discomfort.

If your skin is dry and prone to irritation and itching, it is recommended to have topical soothing products on hand, such as Lipikar Stick AP+. If itching of the skin appears, and it is severe, consult a doctor.

Cicaplast Baume B5 multi-repairing remedy is suitable if the child complains of sensitive and irritated skin. The formula contains a complex with antibacterial properties, improves the process of skin regeneration, nourishes, moisturizes, protects, visibly softens, soothes and eliminates burning sensation.

Prevention of atopic dermatitis

• If a child has a tendency to atopic dermatitis, it is important to identify and then eliminate or minimize the irritating factor and connect appropriate care.
• Remember that skin prone to atopic dermatitis needs regular care: even during remission, moisturize your baby’s skin at least 2 times a day, increase up to 5 times during exacerbations.
• Buy clothes made from natural soft fabrics, choose seamless patterns.
• Choose products with hypoallergenic formulas tested under dermatological control.
• Strengthen the immune system: enrich the baby’s diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, consult with your doctor about the introduction of biological vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Wash the child’s clothes separately, use products with hypoallergenic compounds for children’s clothes.