An atopic dermatitis disease happens to be a condition that makes the skin red and itchy and is a common illness in children but can occur at any age. The Atopic dermatitis is a long lasting (chronic) condition and tends to worsen periodically. Sometimes it may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
Although no cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. However, some treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent any new outbreaks. You can help yourself to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments.
THE CAUSES OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
A healthy skin will help to retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis is related to a gene variation which affects the skin’s ability to provide this protection, and making your skin to be affected by environmental factors, irritants and allergens.
The Causes Of atopic Dermatitis May Include
- An asthma and hay fever. Atopic dermatitis sometimes precedes these conditions. It has been observed that more than half of young children with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and hay fever by age 13.
- A chronic itchy, scaly skin. There is a skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) which starts with a patch of itchy skin. Sometimes you scratch the area, which makes it even itchier. However, this condition can cause your affected skin to become discolored, thick and leathery.
- A skin infections. Any repeated scratching that breaks the skin can cause an open sores and cracks. Meaning that it will increase the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses, which include the herpes simplex virus.
- An irritant hand dermatitis. Note that this condition affects people whose work require their hands to be wet often and exposed to harsh soaps, detergents and disinfectants.
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THE SYMPTOMS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
An atopic dermatitis symptoms sometimes vary from person to person which includes:
- Drying of the skin
- Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
- A red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, etc.
- A small, raised bumps, that may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
- A thickened, cracked, scaly skin
- A raw, sensitive and swollen skin from scratching
- An atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5, which may persist into adolescence and adulthood. And for most people, it flares periodically and then clears up again, even for several years.
THE TREATMENT FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Sometimes atopic dermatitis can be persistent and you might require to try various treatments over months or years to control it. Sometimes even if treatment is successful, signs and symptoms may return again.
Note that it is vital you recognize the condition early so that you can start treatment. In case regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don’t help, then your doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments:
The Medications
- Use creams that control itching and help repair the skin. You may meet a doctor to prescribe a corticosteroid cream or ointment. And then apply it as directed, after you moisturize. Sometimes an overuse of this drug may cause side effects, including thinning skin.
- Use a drugs that fight infection. Meet your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic cream if your skin has a bacterial infection, an open sore or cracks. The doctor may recommend taking oral antibiotics for a short time to treat the infection.
- Use Oral drugs that control inflammation. In case it is a severe case, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone. Note that these drugs are very effective but can’t be used long term because of the potential of serious side effects.
