Many people wonder what atopic dermatitis is? Is it dangerous to life? In fact, this is a common skin disease. Although not dangerous, atopic dermatitis can leave scars on the skin that are unsightly. So how to recognize early symptoms of atopic dermatitis? To improve the effectiveness of treatment and disease prevention. Follow the article below now. Dermalogica will give you a comprehensive overview of this dermatological condition.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a term that refers to chronic dermatological diseases. It tends to flare up in waves and then go away on its own after a period of time. The skin of people with the disease is often dry, intensely itchy, or even rash. The disease may be accompanied by asthma, urticaria or allergic rhinitis. Atopic dermatitis is divided into the following types:
#1 Allergic contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition where the skin becomes allergic when coming into direct contact with an irritant or allergen. Then the patient will feel itchy and uncomfortable. Red, itchy skin rashes may even appear and negatively affect the skin's aesthetics.
#2 Weather-related dermatitis
Seasonal allergic dermatitis is a condition in which the body has an allergic reaction. When there is a sudden change in temperature and air such as hot weather, cold weather, high humidity, etc.
#3 Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema. This type of atopic dermatitis often appears with red, itchy rashes. Focus on commonly stretched areas such as the inside of the elbow, behind the knee, and in front of the neck.
#4 Infected atopic dermatitis
Superinfected atopic dermatitis is a more severe stage of atopic dermatitis. Due to not being treated promptly or due to strong rubbing and scratching. Leading to infection and superinfection.
What are the signs of atopic dermatitis?
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis? These identifying signs are quite diverse and different for each person. Specifically:
1- Red, swollen, itchy skin
When infected, the skin often becomes edematous, with tiny spots or lumps forming into patches, causing itching. Itching may increase at night. The itching will even continue without any relief. This makes the patient want to scratch or rub the damaged skin area vigorously.
2- Dry, flaky skin
Dry skin is a characteristic sign of people with atopic dermatitis. At this time, the skin is easily dehydrated, leading to dry skin, white scales and peeling.
3- Papules, blisters
The bumps on the skin are red or paler than other areas of the skin. They often appear on the hands and feet. But there are also cases where it spreads throughout the body.
Common causes of allergic dermatitis
What is the cause of atopic dermatitis is always an issue that many people are concerned about. Because determining the origin of the disease early will help you be more proactive in the treatment process. Here are some common causes:
Hereditary:
In fact, atopic dermatitis can appear at any age. For people with genetic factors, the most common form of the disease is atopic dermatitis. If one of the members such as father, mother or sibling has atopic dermatitis. The possibility that other family members can also have this disease is very high.
Drug or food allergies
Western medicines all contain proteins that trigger allergies. Therefore, allergic dermatitis is also a common side effect when using Western medicine to treat this disease. In addition, the cause may be due to the patient eating allergic foods. Some foods often contain proteins that cause allergies in sensitive areas such as eggs, products, seafood, milk, etc.
Environmental impact
According to dermatologists, patients will not develop an allergic rash the first time they are exposed. But gradually, the skin will become more sensitive. Until the next time rash symptoms appear. Among them, environmental factors can trigger symptoms of atopic dermatitis at any time. There are many environmental factors that can trigger or worsen the condition. Including low humidity, weather changes, pollution,... In particular, the working environment also greatly affects the condition. Especially jobs that require contact with metals, solvents or detergents carry a high risk of allergic dermatitis.
What is the treatment for atopic dermatitis?
However, there is no way to completely treat atopic dermatitis. But if not handled properly. Patients will have to face permanent sequelae on the skin such as keloid scars, concave scars, etc. Therefore, implement solutions to help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. At the same time, proactively visit a specialist for timely treatment. To prevent the disease from getting worse or having an outbreak. At the same time, it reduces pain and itching for people with atopic dermatitis.
Limit exposure to harmful chemicals
When you have atopic dermatitis, you should limit exposure to environmental factors. Includes cigarette smoke, animal hair or flower dander, and pollen. As well as chemicals that are directly harmful to the skin such as soap, detergents, chemicals, etc. At the same time, avoid contact with solvents such as chlorine, alcohol, or sand, dust, etc. To prevent Prevent skin inflammation from getting worse.
Use special medicine to treat dermatitis
What is special medicine to treat atopic dermatitis? That is using drugs that help inhibit allergic reactions and reduce inflammatory reactions on the skin. For example, topical creams contain Corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects. Or oral or intravenous Glucocorticoid medication. However, when using this treatment method, you are not allowed to use medication on your own. Without the guidance of dermatologists or specialized doctors.
Bath tnatural medicine
Herbal medicines possess many valuable biological activities. Especially its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help improve symptoms of edema, inflammation, and rashes on the skin. Patients can treat atopic dermatitis by taking herbal baths such as:
- Betel leaves: Take a handful of betel leaves and wash them thoroughly. Then boil it with boiling water to bathe or apply the wipe to the inflamed skin area.
- Green tea leaves: Take a handful of green tea leaves and wash them thoroughly. Then crumble and boil with water. Add a little white salt and wait for the green tea to warm before serving. During the process of soaking your skin with green tea leaves, you should use the leaves to gently rub the skin.
- Spring onions: Boil a pot of water, add spring onions and a little white salt and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then wash the inflamed skin area with warm water first. Soak your hands in the spring onion salt water mixture until the water cools down.
Moisturize your skin
As mentioned above, patients often have dry skin and peeling white scales. Therefore, to promote the restoration of skin barrier function. Moisturizing the skin is a particularly important treatment step when treating atopic dermatitis. Especially in the acute and chronic stages of illness.
There are many different dosage forms of moisturizers such as lotion, cream, oil, etc. Depending on the characteristics of the skin area to be used, you can choose the appropriate formula. In particular, lotion form is often used for the scalp area. Because of its fast-absorbing properties, it helps reduce clogged pores. Cream or oil lines are suitable for dry skin.
Conclusion:
Hopefully the above article will help you clearly understand what atopic dermatitis is. From there, we can be more proactive in treating and preventing diseases. Especially if you see any unusual signs. You absolutely should not be subjective. But please see a specialist for timely treatment. If you have any questions, please contact Dermalogica therapists. We are always ready to listen to your story.