Atopic Dermatitis Must Be Treated

Information

Dr. Mitev, who can expect their child to suffer from atopic dermatitis?
Actually, the condition is quite widespread. Nearly 15% of the population suffers from atopic dermatitis. It is most often passed on through generations, in which the parents carry a family history of certain conditions such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, angioedema, or atopic dermatitis. Women suffer more often - 1.3:1.0 compared to men.

We've heard that atopic dermatitis has different stages. Could you explain?
Yes. We can distinguish three age-related stages. In the first stage - the so-called infant stage - there is superficial inflammation that can affect the cheeks, neck, chest, elbow, knee. It is characteristic of 75% of children between 3 and 6 months of age. The second stage - childhood - is characteristic of the age between 3 and 10 years. Here we have more serious erythema, localized in the folds. It rarely affects the face. The third stage is during puberty or later. In this stage there is a tendency for the rash to be limited to folds, neck, palms, and face.

Can atopic dermatitis actually be cured, or can it only be maintained without external manifestation?
The condition must be treated because complications can occur. The basis of treatment is ensuring normal functioning of the skin by restoring and maintaining moisture, controlling inflammation, and, if needed, infection.

Does the condition have seasonality?
Overall, the problematic season for patients with atopic dermatitis is winter. The cold months have a dry and cold climate. In spring and summer, pollen affects the condition and can exacerbate it, especially on exposed parts of the body.

What are the factors that worsen the condition?
The use of an electric blanket, emotional stress, contact with harsh cosmetics (deodorants, creams), food allergies, washing the skin too often, exposure to excessive heat or cold, tight clothing on the body.

What complications can be observed?
Complications are relatively common. For example, eye problems, for which I recommend consultation with an ophthalmologist. There is also a tendency toward infections - viral, bacterial, and fungal.

What does local treatment include?
The condition can be controlled with active skin hydration using emollients, emulsions, bath oils, creams. However, these must be combined with corticosteroids, antibiotics, antifungals, prescribed by a dermatologist.

Many mothers ask what else we can do to improve the condition?
There are daily rituals that can relieve the condition. For example, bathing should be limited to 15 minutes, with gentle cleansing agents (e.g., shower oil), and lukewarm water should be used. After bathing, the skin should be dried carefully and a moisturizing agent applied within 2-3 minutes. Moisturizing cosmetics should not contain perfumes, preservatives, or other chemical substances that irritate the skin. Regarding nutrition, it is good to follow some recommendations, such as avoiding nuts, seafood, eggs, fish, milk, soy, chocolate. It is essential for the body to feel comfortable. Clothes and underwear should be cotton and comfortable. New clothes should always be washed before wearing, with an unscented detergent with a neutral pH. I advise mothers to try high-altitude climate treatment - i.e. holidays in places with an altitude above 1500 m - and sea treatment. There, not only the child's skin but also their overall condition will improve from the rest.