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Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by severe itching, dry skin and rash. It usually begins in childhood and may flare up during stressful periods. Although the cause of the disease is not fully known, genetic, environmental and emotional factors are thought to play a role. Foods, detergents and environmental factors can cause exacerbations.
Various topical and systemic treatments can be applied depending on age and disease severity. It is also important for patients to use moisturizers regularly. Patients should be made aware of avoiding triggering factors.
What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that usually begins in childhood, characterized by dryness, itching, rashes and redness in certain areas of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema and is popularly known as atopic eczema. It usually starts in childhood and can flare up during stressful periods.
Atopic dermatitis usually occurs in people who have allergic reactions and has an autoimmune origin, which is basically based on the body's immune system reacting against its own cells.
Patients with atopic dermatitis have a high risk of developing allergic diseases such as asthma and hay fever in the future. Atopic dermatitis usually manifests itself with redness in the folds of the elbows or knees. The skin color in these areas may become lighter, darker or thicker. If you scratch the skin, small bumps may appear and fluid may ooze. Babies may have a rash, usually on the scalp and cheeks.
What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that usually begins in childhood, characterized by dryness, itching, rashes and redness in certain areas of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema and is popularly known as atopic eczema. It usually starts in childhood and can flare up during stressful periods.
What are the Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually include itchy, dry, cracked and painful skin. The itching caused by atopic dermatitis is usually severe and scratching increases the risk of infection. The symptoms of eczema can get worse during so-called flare-ups.
Symptoms of eczema are usually the following:
Itching Red or brownish spots
Dry skin Small, watery blisters that ooze fluid when scratched
Scaly skin sores with the appearance of infection
Skin redness and sensitivity
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in infancy are usually concentrated on the scalp, cheeks, arms and legs. Later in life, lesions may also appear on the elbows, knees, neck and around the eyes. In adults, rashes may occur in attacks due to environmental factors and widespread eczema may appear on the skin.
What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?
Although the cause of Atopic Dermatitis is not known exactly, genetic, environmental and emotional factors are thought to play a role. Foods, detergents, environmental factors can cause flare-ups. If the parents have eczema or other atopic conditions, the likelihood of atopic dermatitis in children increases.
Here are some environmental factors that can cause the symptoms of atopic dermatitis to appear:
Irritants: Soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, perfumes.
Allergens Allergens such as house dust, mites, pets, pollen and mold.
Microbes Microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, and molds.
Hot and cold weather: Excessively hot or cold weather, high humidity, dry air and sweating.
Foods: Foods such as dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, some fruits and vegetables, soy products and wheat.
Stress: Although not a direct cause, it can worsen symptoms.
Hormones Women may experience an increase in symptoms with changes in hormone levels, such as pregnancy or the menstrual cycle.
How to Treat Atopic Dermatitis?
There is no definitive treatment for atopic dermatitis. The main goal in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is to control the clinical symptoms and reduce the patient's complaints. For this purpose, lifestyle changes are recommended and medication is administered. Corticosteroid creams, oral corticosteroids and antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce itching and prevent skin infections. Antibiotics may also be used to treat secondary infections. In cases that do not respond to treatment, immunosuppressive drugs may be used.
Patients may also be given the following recommendations:
Moisturizing the skin frequently, especially immediately after bathing
Drinking plenty of fluids
Moisturizing the environment
Preferring loose and comfortable clothing
Avoiding irritation of the skin by frequent scratching
Avoiding environmental factors known to trigger complaints
These lifestyle changes can help in the treatment of eczema, alleviate the lesions and improve the patient's quality of life.