The most common care mistakes that aggravate the skin condition of a child with AD

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can occur at any age, but most cases are reported in infants and children. This problem may concern about 20% of them, which means that every fifth toddler may experience persistent symptoms of atopy. It is undoubtedly one of the most common dermatological and allergic diseases. In order to relieve a child from persistent itching, it is necessary to implement proper care and follow the basic rules of hygiene. What are the most common care mistakes exacerbating the skin condition of a child with AD?

What is AD and how does it manifest itself?

Atopic dermatitis is classified as an allergic disease and it usually begins in childhood. More than half of the cases are diagnosed in the first year of life. This disease has a tendency to recur, even after many years of asymptomatic treatment. The cause of atopic dermatitis is related to the impaired physiological functioning of the immune system and the abnormal structure of the epidermis.

People suffering from atopic dermatitis have too high levels of IgE antibodies, i.e. immunoglobulins E. They trigger inflammatory processes as a result of contact with allergens such as cow’s milk protein, pollen, grasses, dust mites, pet hair or mold. The emergence or worsening of AD symptoms is also influenced by stress and fluctuations in the level of certain hormones. The stimulus to induce the symptoms of atopy can also be an incorrectly selected cosmetic, strong detergent, and woolen clothing.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children and infants are divided into:

1. skin – itching of the skin of varying severity, exfoliation of the epidermis, erythema-exudative foci (in the acute phase), dryness, darkening of the eye sockets,
2. mental – irritability and anxiety, insomnia.

Based on typical symptoms, skin prick tests, IgE antibody titers and family history of atopy, the dermatologist is able to make a reliable diagnosis and implement appropriately selected treatment.

Mistakes in skin care for children with AD

The type of treatment for atopic dermatitis in children and infants depends on many factors, including age and the severity of the changes. Daily care with the use of clinically tested dermocosmetics belonging to the group of emollients is of key importance. Depending on the case, the doctor may also prescribe pharmacological agents with a sedative and / or hypnotic effect. In more serious cases, the child may be referred for phototherapy or hospitalized.

The most common mistakes in caring for the delicate skin of a child with AD are:

1. contact of the epidermis with factors that may cause allergies, including fragrances, preservatives, drying agents and synthetic dyes;
2. using ordinary soap – its pH is unfavorable for the child’s skin (approx. 9, which makes it too alkaline). The correct pH of products for washing delicate epidermis with a tendency to dryness and atopy should be about 5,5 (acidic reaction);
3. high temperature of water used for bathing – washing a child with AD should not only be short (approx. 10 minutes), but also carried out at a temperature slightly higher than body temperature, i.e. approx. 37 degrees Celsius;
4. intense rubbing of the skin after washing – with dry and sensitive skin, excess water should be gently drained using a clean cotton towel, rubbing the skin too hard may additionally irritate it and aggravate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis;
5. using body oil – the olive is not suitable for the care of atopic skin, because when used in excess, it helps dry the epidermis;
6. using emollients only at the stage of exacerbation of atopic dermatitis symptoms – proper moisturizing and protection of the child’s epidermis should be the parent’s daily routine. Unfortunately, many of them stop using emollients once the skin lesions and itching have subsided.

How to effectively care for atopic skin?

Atopic skin is not only sensitive, but also dry, it has a tendency to redness and persistent itching. As a result, the baby can be irritable, grumpy and may have trouble falling asleep at night.

In order to effectively care for atopic skin, it is necessary to choose dermocosmetics with a specially selected and tested composition. The product should not only deeply moisturize the epidermis (including strengthening the hydro-lipid layer of the skin), but also protect it against the influence of allergens, have anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties. This is important because excessive itching causes the child to scratch the epidermis frequently, which promotes the formation of bacterial infection foci. It’s a vicious circle. This causes the spread of the lesions to other parts of the skin, which causes an even greater itching and irritation in a child with AD.

An example of gentle and effective care is the XeraCalm AD series offered by the French brand Avène. All the company’s products are based on thermal water from the deep layers of the earth. It has soothing and soothing properties, and is also distinguished by bacteriological purity. The XeraCalm AD range includes an ingredient of natural origin called I-modulia ®, which stimulates the innate immunity of the epidermis. The Cer-omega ceramide complex rebuilds the hydrolipid layer and effectively moisturizes the skin. The dermocosmetic does not contain preservatives, parabens and does not affect the natural microbiome of the epidermis. Its antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturizing effectiveness has been confirmed in a clinical trial program involving over 7000 people with dry and very dry skin prone to itching and atopic eczema.

Avène products can be used for atopic dermatitis in children and infants and for adults with sensitive, dry and atopic skin.