Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin problems and finding reliable information on the Internet is not always easy. For this reason, we have contacted a specialist, and we have consulted with him all our doubts to learn how to care for atopic skin.
What is atopic skin?
Atopic skin or having atopic dermatitis is a skin hypersensitivity reaction, like an allergy, that leads to prolonged skin inflammation, redness, and swelling. The affected skin is dry, irritated, scaly and, as the itching favors continuous scratching, it can cause wounds that sometimes become superinfected. In general, it usually affects the skin of the face, the inner area of the elbows and behind the knees, although in infants, which is when it usually begins, it appears on the face and behind the ears.
According to Dr. José Luis López Estebaranz, member of the AEDV (Spanish Association of Dermatology and Venereology) explains that we are facing a chronic skin disease that is more recurrent in children. "The diagnosis always has to be clinical, that is, made in consultation by a specialist, but the following characteristics are met: it is a disease that occurs in outbreaks, it is not acute, it usually evolves and produces symmetrical skin lesions ".
The most normal thing is that atopic dermatitis appears in childhood. "There are children who are 10 months old and already have it and it usually always appears in the first five years of age," says Dr. López. It is estimated that up to 20% of children have atopic dermatitis, "but only 3% retain it as adults, since it is a disease that improves over time," the dermatologist points out.
What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?
"The skin is more irritable and intolerant with some creams, eczema appears …", says the dermatologist, but the causes that can cause an outbreak are very broad: dust, environmental dryness, weather changes, synthetic fibers … and Furthermore, it is associated with other pathologies, such as asthma or allergies. However, the disease is determined "by genetic, environmental and immunological factors," says the doctor, who makes it clear that if parents have atopic skin , the chances of their child suffering from it are multiplied by five.
Can atopic skin be prevented?
The disease itself cannot be prevented, but outbreaks can. That is why it is important to always keep the skin well hydrated with specific products or suitable for atopic skin and avoid environmental factors, such as dust or contamination, and aggressive dermatological treatments not prescribed by a doctor.
