Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic skin disease that can affect us at any age, although it usually manifests itself in early childhood. Once it attacks, it accompanies us for the rest of our lives, because at the moment there is no effective cure for it. Therefore, symptomatic treatment remains, which will improve the comfort of existence and minimize the ailments.
Symptoms:
AD is characterized primarily by nagging itching of the skin, intensifying in the evening or at night. It is so intense that it interferes with our daily activities and does not allow us to function normally. The skin becomes more and more dry, red and purulent pustules, papules or blisters may appear, over time covering more and more parts of the body, looking like lichen. When we scratch, visible traces remain on the skin, it becomes transparent and the veins become visible. Other symptoms include:
- burning, swelling of the skin,
- enlarged lymph nodes,
- frequent bacterial infections
- hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli.
Diagnosing:
The disease is difficult to diagnose. It often has a genetic basis. The likelihood of getting sick increases when someone close to you suffers from allergies. If we suspect that we are dealing with atopic dermatitis, we should immediately go to a specialist who will order a blood test and allergy tests. If it turns out that the doctor confirms that we are dealing with atopic dermatitis, it remains to accept this fact and take steps to alleviate the symptoms of the disease as soon as possible.
Treatment:
There are different ways to deal with ALS. In the mild course of the disease, appropriately selected anti-inflammatory creams or ointments are usually sufficient. Antihistamines or antibiotics may also be used. In the most severe stage, the use of steroids may be necessary.
AD skin care:
Regardless of the type of medication taken, in the case of allergic and atopic skin, proper skin care is very important. Here are some valuable tips that will surely help:
- Moisturize your skin – use a moisturizer immediately after bathing. Typical for atopic skin is much faster evaporation of water than in the case of healthy skin.
- Grease – both before, during and after the bath. Moisturizing before washing will prevent irritation of the affected skin by hard, chlorinated water. For greasing, you can use delicate emollients, such as olive or lotion with urea.
- Do cool compresses – cold temperature will soothe irritations and soothe the affected skin.
- Make sure the air humidity in your home is adequate — dry air can irritate the skin, making itching worse. If necessary, invest in a humidifier and you will see that it will be a good investment.
- Use only delicate preparations and cosmeticsi – there are many products on the market for people affected by AD. They have a special composition, thanks to which they will alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
- Pay attention to appropriate clothing – wear airy fabrics, preferably made of natural fibres.