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Atopic dermatitis is called the problem of the 20st century – and for good reason. It is estimated that up to 10% of people suffer from atopic dermatitis. children and XNUMX percent adults. Sometimes this ailment can be very troublesome and makes everyday functioning difficult. How to help a child with AD in everyday life? What is the best way to soothe him and restore his comfort?
Everything you need to know about atopic dermatitis in children and babies
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. In the course of this ailment, the integrity of the epidermis is disturbed, and thus the protective function of the skin is disturbed. This situation favors the penetration of irritants, allergens and microorganisms deep into the skin and the formation of inflammation. [1] The first symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually appear in the third month of life – if they appeared earlier, it is probably seborrheic dermatitis that resolves by itself.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by the presence of a very severe, troublesome itching, dry skin, a characteristic picture and the location of the lesions. In the youngest children, it most often affects the cheeks, hands, legs, buttocks, and over time (after approx. 12 months of age) it is mainly located in the upper and lower limbs. [2] These changes intensify when the body overheats. More severe disease may also include ichthyosis, nipple eczema, cheilitis or even recurrent conjunctivitis. The causes of atopic dermatitis are not fully understood, but mainly environmental and immunological factors as well as genetic predisposition are mentioned among them. [3]
Atopic dermatitis is not only itching and constant scratching …
Atopic dermatitis significantly affects the quality of life of a child and his family – it is even called a psychodermatological disease. The annoying itching of the skin disrupts the daily functioning, hinders the child’s night rest, and the skin irritated by constant scratching is more exposed to various types of infections. Children with skin problems caused by atopy may also have problems of a social nature – low self-esteem, complexes, as well as problems with relationships with peers, which are not uncommon. In addition, research has shown that caring for a child with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis has a significantly greater impact on the functioning of the family than caring for a child with type I diabetes, which is a much more serious disease! [2]
Such chronic stress in parents leads to exhaustion, loss of efficiency during the day at work, and may even cause frustration and other difficult emotions that we are able to effectively deal with. Parents’ feelings of helplessness or guilt are very common and perfectly normal. It is worth remembering that apart from the child’s disease, there are also other, no less important matters – the relationship with the partner, the child’s siblings and, most importantly, their own needs. The basis for the child’s acceptance of the disease is the parent’s acceptance of the disease. Sometimes family or child psychotherapy may be the best solution to help ease negative self-perceptions and help you deal with your illness emotionally.
A child with atopy – how to help in everyday life?
Treatment of atopic dermatitis is not only based on the use of appropriate medications and care. The child’s attitude and understanding of the disease are of great importance. Therefore, it is worth introducing the child to the essence of the ailment, e.g. through play. The following animated video dedicated to the youngest may be helpful, which will explain the essence of the disease and how to deal with it:
As with any other disease, diet is of paramount importance in the course of AD. In infants, special care should be exercised when introducing solid foods into the diet. A child’s diet should include the least processed products and sweets. It is worth betting on products that help fight inflammation – these include, among others vegetables, fruits, nuts and foods high in unsaturated fats.
Due to the sensitivity of atopic skin, it is recommended that the clothes that a child wears are made of natural materials, in light colors, without unnecessary applications and tags. So it is better to give up clothes made of polyester or, for example, wool, which can irritate the skin. Moreover, the washing agents used should be certified as safe for children. [4] It is also worth taking care of the appropriate environment of the child. Regular cleaning, airing the rooms (outside the dust season) and avoiding overheating the rooms will definitely have a positive effect on the health and condition of the child’s skin.
Caring for atopic dermatitis in children
Dermatology specialists agree – the use of emollients is the basis for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, not only in the period of exacerbation of skin lesions, but also during remission (the period of diminishing the disease). What’s more, it is emollients that are the basis for the treatment of mild AD. Emollients help to renew the damaged epidermal barrier, restore proper hydration, thereby significantly reducing itching. Emollients should be applied to the baby’s skin at least twice a day. If the itching is severe, relief may be obtained by using an emollient that has been previously chilled in a refrigerator, for example. [1] For some children, the moment of applying the cosmetic may not be pleasant – it is worth diversifying this time with play, so that despite some difficulties this activity becomes a habit for the child. [3]
A very important element of the treatment of a child with atopy is proper hygiene with the use of washing agents without the addition of soap. In order to prevent excessive drying of the skin, several minutes of baths are recommended (the water temperature should not exceed 34 degrees) and immediate application of emollients on gently dry, still moist skin. [3] Experts recommend that emollients should be used in the amount of 150-200 g per week, both during remission and during additional treatment with glucocorticosteroids.
Among the cosmetics containing emollients, Bioderma’s dermocosmetics stand out from others – Atoderm Intensive baume balm and Atoderm SOS anti-itching spray. Recommended by dermatologists, Atoderm Intensive baume intensively moisturizes and nourishes the skin, reduces itching and permanently rebuilds the skin’s protective barrier. This is an extremely important element of the product’s operation, because it permanently rebuilds the protective barrier, preventing the entry of allergens and additional irritation. It can be used from 1 day of age. In turn, Atoderm SOS is a spray that eliminates skin itching in just 60 seconds. Not only does it reduce the need to scratch from 1 use, it also moisturizes the skin and protects against bacteria that cause skin irritation.
Skiba, A., Połomska, J., Sikorska-Szaflik, H., Woś, A., Boznański, A., & Sozańska, B. (2016). Practical aspects of caring for a child suffering from atopic dermatitis: the role of cooperation between medical personnel and the patient and his parents. Obraz clinical, diagnosis and treatment / Practical aspects of caring for a child with atopic eczema: the role of cooperation among medical staff and patients and their parents. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. Pielegniarstwo XXI życia / Nursing in the 21st Century, 15 (2), 54-58., Https://sciendo.com/pdf/10.1515/pielxxiw-2016-0019
Modelska-Woźniak I., Atopic dermatitis in children, https://pediatria1.wum.edu.pl/sites/pediatria1.wum.edu.pl/files/azs_do_wysl.pdf
Atopic dermatitis in children – a practical guide, http://www.haloatopia.pl/download/halo_atopia_publikacja.pdf
Ruszkowska L., Atopic dermatitis in infants, http://mavipuro.pl/jourarch/PN2018004.pdf