Atopic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of eczema on dry, itchy skin. Dr. Bahillo, expert in Dermatology, explains the symptoms and treatments indicated for each type of atopic skin.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease, in which there is an alteration in its barrier, which makes it drier and with a tendency to present eczemas that appear in the form of outbreaks.
Causes of atopic dermatitis and its affectation in Spain
The basis of atopic dermatitis is determined by an immune alteration, which is why it is very often associated with other immune alterations, such as respiratory allergies. This is what we know as “atopic march”. In addition, there is a clear genetic influence, appearing in several siblings or when parents have a history of atopy or respiratory allergies.
It is a very common problem, occurring in more than one in ten children and adolescents and in a small percentage of adults. The prevalence varies greatly from country to country.
Atopic skin most often appears in infancy, often in the first days of life. Later onset is not as common.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
Atopic skin is characterized by the appearance of eczema, inflammatory plaques, with scaly, itchy redness. Depending on age, eczema is localized in one area or another. In infants, they often appear on the cheeks and trunk, while in childhood these plaques are located more on the flexures of the elbows, knees and neck. In adulthood it frequently manifests as eczema of the hands and feet.
Other symptoms of atopic dermatitis, apart from the appearance of eczema, are pityriasis alba, which appears as white patches, frequently on the cheeks, or keratosis pilaris, which manifests as pimples on the outer face of the arms.
How to treat atopic dermatitis
Treatment of outbreaks is mainly with corticosteroid creams. The potency and formulation of the corticosteroid will be decided according to the type of eczema and the location where it occurs. In more extensive cases the use of oral corticosteroids may be necessary. Only some patients with very frequent and uncontrollable outbreaks require other immunosuppressive treatments. It is important to treat outbreaks in order to stop their extension and the chronification of eczema plaques. Your dermatologist will indicate in each case the treatment to follow.
To prevent outbreaks it is necessary to take proper care of the skin. Take a bath or shower, with lukewarm water, non-aggressive cleansers without detergents and dry without rubbing. Moisturizing should be daily, preferably after showering and with specific emollients that will try to restore the damaged skin barrier. It is important to avoid other irritating factors, such as clothes made of synthetic fibers and very dry environments due to the use of heaters.