Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent disease that usually begins in childhood. Unfortunately, despite many studies, the exact cause of this disease is not known. Although many patients have IgE antibodies, an allergic reaction is not the main cause of their symptoms.
The basic symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) are excessive skin dryness and a significant decrease in itching tolerance. Itching causes a great desire to scratch, which at the same time intensifies skin symptoms. Therefore, this disease is very troublesome and disturbing in everyday life. Scratched skin loses its ability to protect the body from external light, so penetration by allergens and other irritants is increased, which can cause fungal, viral and bacterial reactions.
There are many proven rules of conduct that will support the treatment of AD. The basis of the treatment is to control itching, infection and moisturizing the skin. Of course, pharmacological treatment conducted by a doctor, preferably a dermatologist-allergist, is very effective. Treatment of atopic eczema involves avoiding rubbing and scratching, treating infections, alleviating inflammation, avoiding allergens, caring for and restoring skin structure, and avoiding irritants.
Eight practical tips to deal with atopic skin:
- A bath or shower should not last more than 20 minutes.
- Wash any new clothing before wearing it to remove any chemical residue.
- Do not rub moisturizers into your skin as rubbing has the same effect as scratching. Spread it gently and let it absorb.
- Avoid every possible factor that can irritate your skin.
- When you wash your clothes, use the extra rinse function to remove as much of the skin-damaging detergent residue from your clothes as possible.
- After each bath, dry the skin gently with a towel, do not wipe it. Immediately afterwards, apply a moisturizer immediately, preferably within 3 minutes of washing.
- Choose moisturizers with a pump dispenser as they offer better protection against staph infection.
- If the case of atopic dermatitis is extremely severe, it is recommended to limit bathing to as little as once a week, and to keep it clean with tissues and moisturizers during this time.