Atopic skin suffers from what is more specifically called atopic dermatitis. It is an inflammatory skin disease, which can begin in early childhood. Very common, however, its causes remain mysterious. How to best treat and soothe it?

Atopic dermatitis, what is it?

Atopic skin can cover several types of epidermal pathologies. In its first definition, it is a disease as such. This is otherwise called atopic dermatitis.

It particularly affects babies, usually around 3 months but sometimes earlier. One in ten children is thus affected.

Its origin is genetic in a large part of the cases, to more than 50%. However, the real causes of such predetermination are unknown. Babies or people who suffer from it have in all cases a predisposed epidermal terrain.

There is further evidence that people who have atopic dermatitis face other pathologies. They are therefore often affected by asthma, seasonal allergies (rhinitis), and even food allergies.

There are also skins with an atopic tendency. This broad meaning of the term designates very sensitive skin which suffers in adulthood from diffuse seizures. Whether patches of dryness and flaking, or flare-ups of eczema or hives, but limited. Stress can also be a major factor in such atopic flare-ups. All these skin diseases therefore fall into the category of atopic skin in the broad sense of the term.

Symptoms of the disease

Atopic dermatitis is defined by localized but significant outbreaks of eczema. This thus generates irritation, itching. Scratching intensifies the irritation and leads to a real vicious cycle of pain. This involves the formation of blisters, oozing, and then scabs. These lesions can be the source of the entry of bacteria and cause superinfection.

In general, the affected epidermis no longer plays its role of barrier against external aggressions. As a result, the skin becomes porous, allowing allergenic molecules and infections to pass through. Hence the appearance of certain sometimes serious microbial complications, or even fungi.

To be defined as atopic, skin is not only dry or sensitive. This disease really designates extremely dry, irritated skin, whose attacks come in flare-ups. They are also intolerant to many products and develop intense skin allergies.

Atopic skin is therefore a real health problem which, without being serious at first, deteriorates the quality of life. When you have skin that tightens, hurts, itches, it is difficult to live serenely.

In babies, however, atopic dermatitis can cause more severe lesions. Especially when it affects the eye area. In a majority of cases, however, the atopic skin of babies finds a favorable outcome, without complications. So much so that, around 5 or 6 years old, atopic dermatitis can completely disappear.

In the baby

In the event of atopic dermatitis in the baby, the pediatrician will take care of two aspects: increase the hydration of the skin and treat the inflammation. Skin dryness is thus treated with suitable moisturizing or emollient creams (which soften the tissues). Inflammation is treated with topical corticosteroid ointments.

For the bath, soaps, too drying, are totally prohibited. Doctors may recommend bath oil, for example, instead.

Chez l’adulte

As with children, adults should undergo medical treatment for severe atopic dermatitis. It primarily concerns the appeasement of affected areas during crises and the treatment of inflammation to avoid complications.

Outside and during these periods, it is essential to moisturize your skin daily with creams of the right composition. Avoid those which are mainly composed of mineral oil, obtained from petrochemicals. These hydrate the skin superficially. Better to turn to creams with plant active ingredients, especially vegetable oils, which nourish deeply. In any case, before buying a moisturizer, test it beforehand to avoid any allergic reaction.

When seizures occur during times of stress, it may be helpful to talk to your doctor. A consultation focused on psychology, or even an appointment with a specialist, can help you reduce your stress and your crises.