Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an extremely troublesome disease that is less noticeable in the summer. However, despite the visible improvement at this time of year, the skin needs to be properly cared for in order to regenerate better.
Doctors estimate thatatopic dermatitis( AD ) is the second most common (after ringworm) dermatological disease. Without going into the complicated and still not fully understood causes of the disease, it is worth remembering that it is allergic and any contact with a substance that causessensitizationcauses skin inflammation and exacerbation of symptoms. And these are extremely unpleasant - because the diseased skin is devoid of a protective hydro-lipid coat, it loses moisture quickly, and when it is dry it itches very strongly, often peels off, is reddened, and small wounds form. Skin changes are not easy to hide because they occur on the neck, face and hands. In addition, it is usually difficult to find the culprit, because an allergic reaction can be caused by substances acting directly on the skin (e.g. detergents, hair), substances that enter the body through the respiratory tract (e.g. mites, pollen), as well as those found in food (e.g. eggs , citrus). Disturbing symptoms also worsen under the influence of stress, polluted, dry air and tobacco smoke.
Atopic dermatitis: atopic skin likes moisturizing and oiling
Depending on the severity of the disease, the treatment involves antiseptics, antihistamines, creams and steroid ointments. However, the most important thing is daily skin care, the task of which is to restore the damaged lipid coat and retain water in the skin.» Use cosmetics designed for sensitive and allergic skin, because they have no fragrances and preservatives that could irritate. Look for natural, highly moisturizing compounds, e.g. urea. Emollients, preparations usually based on mineral oils, are perfect. These are creams, lotions, emulsions, milks - they moisturize and grease the skin, prevent water evaporation from the epidermis, soothe itching, reduce roughness and redness.» Put ordinary soaps aside - they are alkaline and destroy the acid coat lipid skin. Syndets (synthetic detergents) that clean and moisturize at the same time are better.» Noavoid bathing. In the past, they were advised against because they additionally dry the skin. Today, dermatologists recommend baths (15-20 minutes) with the addition of lotions or oils for allergic skin, which leave a greasy film on it that protects against moisture loss. Dead Sea s alt is also good - it nourishes and soothes the skin, moisturizes and tones it.» After a bath or shower, gently dry your body and apply a moisturizing lotion to your slightly damp skin. You can cool the cosmetic in the fridge beforehand, it will relieve itching more effectively. Repeat the application every 4-5 hours - this is how long the skin's lipid coat remains after using the emollient.
Atopic dermatitis on vacation
When summer comes and the air humidity rises, and in addition, you can put on light, airy clothes that do not scratch the skin, its condition usually improves significantly. You will feel it even more when you go on vacation - this is due to climate change, clean air and relaxation.» A stay at the seaside and swimming in s alt water have a particularly beneficial effect on the skin. The seaside air is free from allergens, but well moisturized. After bathing in the sea, be sure to take a shower, and then lubricate your body with a lotion.» Do not overdo it with physical activity. Remember that sweat irritates the skin, evaporation, dries it out and exacerbates the symptoms of the disease.» Be careful with swimming in the pool! After skin contact with chlorinated water, symptoms often worsen. Look for pools where the water is ozonated, much gentler on sick skin. But after taking a bath, wash yourself thoroughly and use a highly greasing cosmetic.» Take a hygrometer with you when you go on vacation. Make sure that the air humidity in the room where you will sleep is at least 60 percent. During hot weather, you can, for example, put a bowl of water in the room or spray a water spray in the air.» Watch out for culinary experiments. During your holiday travels, you will be tempted by various treats, but many products can make your skin worse. The most risky (if you don't eat it on a daily basis) are fish, shellfish, nuts, silage, spices.
Atopic dermatitis: the positive effects of the sun on the skin
Ultraviolet rays usually work very well on sick skin. Dermatologists have found that as long as a slight tan persists, the disease retreats. This does not mean, however, that you can lie in the sun with impunity, because it causes severe drying of the skin, and often also its burns.» Use creams with protective filters, but not UV rays blockers. Choose cosmeticshypoallergenic. Most often they contain mineral filters - they do not sensitize, but intensely moisturize.» After sunbathing, make your skin more moisturized. Take a shower and massage an olive or other moisturizing cosmetic into wet skin. Then leave it to be absorbed well - it will retain moisture, so the skin will be smoother and more elastic.» After returning from vacation, treat yourself to a highly moisturizing and renewing treatment in a beauty salon. You will surely notice and appreciate its effects immediately.
Atopic dermatitis in children - diagnosis and treatment
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a lifelong disease. It most often occurs in newborns or between 6 and 7 years of age … Diagnostics is quite complex, especially for the smallest children. How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed? Is There An Effective Cure For Atopic Dermatitis? Listen to our expert - pediatrician Andrzej Mierzecki from the ENEL MED clinic.
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