atopic dermatitis: have you heard of her? Also called atopic eczema, this disease is much more common than you might think. According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatologyit is estimated that 20% of children and 5% of adults in Brazil live with symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, it is essential to know more about the disease and understand how to deal with it. To clarify more about symptoms, prevention and treatment for atopic dermatitiswe talked with dermatologist Lucas Miranda. Check out!
What is atopic dermatitis?
According to Dr. Lucas, atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. “It is characterized by itchy rashes, redness, swelling and scaling. Atopic dermatitis is considered a chronic disease, but the symptoms can vary over time, with periods of improvement and worsening”, comments the dermatologist.
What causes atopic dermatitis?
As a chronic disease, atopic dermatitis develops from internal and external factors, which, according to Miranda, can be many: “Genetic predisposition, skin barrier dysfunction, abnormal immune reactions and exposure to allergens and environmental irritants, including colder and drier periods, such as winter , or greater exposure to closed environments, increasing contact with mold, mites and the like, as well as pollen”, says the doctor.
Emotional stress, climate changes and infections can also trigger an atopic dermatitis crisis. However, to really differentiate it from other skin diseases, the ideal is to consult a specialist. “Atopic dermatitis can be differentiated from other conditions through a clinical evaluation made by a dermatologist, taking into account the symptoms, medical history and physical examination”, he clarifies.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include itching and redness
Dr. Lucas mentions that atopic dermatitis can be identified from some simple skin symptoms, such as intense itching, red and dry rashes, skin feeling rough and inflamed. However, the dermatologist emphasizes that it is not only the skin that ends up being harmed, but also the general health of the patient. “Atopic dermatitis can have broader impacts on the patient’s health, since itching and skin lesions can affect sleep, quality of life and even emotional health,” warned the expert.
The doctor also reveals that the areas most affected by dermatitis may vary from person to person, but there are more common body regions. “In general, these are the folds of the elbows, knees, hands, face, neck and areas of skin folds. These places are more prone to lesions due to the greater sensitivity of the skin, in addition to the possibility of friction and humidity, which can aggravate the symptoms of dermatitis”.
Changing habits is essential to prevent atopic dermatitis flare-ups
Anyone who has atopic dermatitis knows how uncomfortable flare-ups can be. Therefore, the ideal is to know how to avoid them or, at the very least, reduce their frequency and duration. Ideally, the patient should adopt a routine of changing habits, especially in colder times and with a higher incidence of crises.
A good habit, for example, is the use of a cream moisturizer for atopic dermatitis, as highlighted by Dr. Lucas. “To prevent crises, it is important to adopt specific care. This includes maintaining a regular hydration routine with products indicated by a dermatologist after the consultation”, explains the doctor.
Cream for atopic dermatitis should be indicated for sensitive skin
As indicated by the dermatologist, it is important that the moisturizer used respects the conditions of the skin. “We generally use those suitable for sensitive skin”, he reiterates. Furthermore, it is important take care of other daily habits. “Avoid very hot, long showers, use mild, non-irritating cleansers, wear cotton clothing, and avoid exposure to known allergens.”
Products that have a repairing, restorative and strengthening function are usually well received by skin with atopic dermatitis. Some assets that may be on the label are soothing moisturizers, such as niacinamide and ceramides. Other components such as d-panthenol (vitamin B5), oils such as sunflower and shea butter are also very beneficial for sensitized skin. However, before using any product, it is essential to have the guidance of your dermatologist.
Another important precaution is with regard to cleaning the patient’s skin. Hygiene, if done with a poorly indicated product, can attack the skin barrier and worsen crises, causing desquamation and more intense itch. One soap for atopic dermatitis it must be used respecting the needs of the skin, that is, indicated for sensitive skin. Seek expert guidance to choose it. It’s also interesting to always wash your face with cold or lukewarm water, to keep the skin barrier intact.
How is the treatment for atopic dermatitis?
Dr. Lucas points out that the indicated treatment derives from the intensity and severity of the condition and therefore varies from person to person. “Treatment of atopic dermatitis may involve using topical corticosteroid creams (anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce redness) to control inflammation and itching during flare-ups. In the most severe cases, we can prescribe topical or systemic immunomodulatory drugs, ”he reveals.
It is also emphasized by the doctor that all treatment must be individualized after the consultation, to avoid any possibility of self-medication – which can cause a series of problems and risks to the patient’s health. If you want to have a successful treatment for atopic dermatitis, follow all your dermatologist’s recommendations!
The post Care for Life.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
