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This article will help you determine if you or your child has atopic dermatitis (we hope not). And if necessary, choose the right cosmetics for yourself, developed with the participation of dermatologists.
What is atopic dermatitis
Until recently, atopy was not considered a disease and was considered by physicians as one of the manifestations of allergies. However, every year the problem becomes more and more urgent.
Basic research, as well as new scientific discoveries, have made it possible to identify the true cause of this phenomenon and classify atopy as an independent dermatological disease.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease caused by a defect in the coding of the protein filaggrin, which is responsible for the protective function of the skin. In other words, atopic skin is characterized by an inferior skin barrier.
Children are especially susceptible to atopy.
Signs of atopic dermatitis
Here’s a tip to help you never confuse atopic skin with just sensitive, irritated or dry skin.
Itching
Very dry skin
Rough areas of the skin, redness, spots, eczema – at least one of these signs necessarily characterizes atopic skin.
Localization
Usually the disease affects the skin at the bend of the joints:
elbow bends;
knee bends;
wrist.
In children, atopy appears in the folds of the neck, eyelids and cheeks. “Flaming cheeks”, which were previously diagnosed as diathesis, a modern doctor will suspect atopic dermatitis.
Causes of appearance
There is only one reason for the appearance of atopic dermatitis – genetic. It cannot arise out of the blue. Atopic patients always have a family history of this disease. Unfortunately, it is impossible to cure it completely, but it is quite possible to achieve a long-term remission.
Primary itching starts the “vicious cycle of atopy”.
On this path, competent care plays a very important role, which includes not only special cosmetics, but also certain rules of conduct.
Rules and features of skin care for atopic dermatitis
Cleanse – Gently
Avoid products and procedures that damage the upper horny and hydrolipid layers of the skin:
alkaline soap;
scrubs, peels, dermabrasion;
brushes, hard mittens and washcloths when washing.
Avoid products containing fragrances, limit the use of perfumes during an exacerbation.
The water temperature must not exceed 37 °C.
It is desirable to limit the time of water procedures to 5 minutes.
The skin should not be rubbed with a towel, but gently blotted.
Moisturize – constantly
The skin should not only be hydrated, but super hydrated. Remember, with atopic dermatitis, the protective barrier is broken, so use products containing emollients, creating a breathable film that will take on the function of protection.
Remember the phrase “wet-smeared”: all basic skin care products for atopic dermatitis are applied after cleansing to wet skin!
Always have an SOS tool with you
Preventive measures
The main task is to break the “vicious circle of atopy” triggered by primary itching. Everything that can provoke irritation should be excluded from everyday life. And this can be a rough fabric, and even seams on clothes, so children during an exacerbation are advised to wear sweaters and T-shirts inside out.
At every step of your skin care routine, use special cosmetics designed for atopic skin and approved by dermatologists. It is important that these funds can be used both during the period of exacerbation and during remission.
Overview of La Roche-Posay skin care products for atopic dermatitis
Atopic skin requires special cosmetics.
Lipikar AP+ Series Features
The Lipikar line series was created specifically for people with atopic dermatitis and is recommended by dermatologists as part of complex therapy.
Lipikar AP+ products:
increase the effectiveness of drug treatment;
help reduce drug doses;
prolong the interrecurrent period;
can be used from the first days of life.
Scientists from the La Roche-Posay laboratory found that atopic skin has a disturbed composition of the microbiome – a collection of microorganisms that form the skin ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining its functions.
Main Components
The main ingredient of the Lipikar AP+ series “Aqua Pose Filiformis” (derived from 25 years of research) is a cultured bacteria lysate that restores the skin microbiome.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has an anti-itching and soothing effect, strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.
Shea butter restores the lipid film and, in turn, strengthens the protective barrier.
Lipikar AP+ products
Lipid-replenishing balm with antipruritic action Lipikar Baume AP+ – the main care product with a high concentration of vitamin B3 and shea butter. Don’t forget to apply it to damp skin, ideally sprayed with La Roche-Posay thermal water.
Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Cream-Gel for Face and Body – syndetes differ from ordinary cleansers in a mild composition, and this one is suitable even for babies.
Ctik Lipikar AP+ – SOS-a tool that will fit even in your pocket and help, without attracting attention, quickly soothe the skin and eliminate discomfort. One of the advantages of the product is the ability to get dressed immediately after use, because the stick does not leave marks on clothes.