Atopic dermatitis (AD), which is referred to as eczema as well, is an inflammatory, chronic skin condition global, with unrelenting itchy patches of red, dry skin. While everyone gets this disease, it affects children considerably most of the time. The specific reasons for atopic dermatitis still have not been clarified, but scientists have made a suggestion of an interaction of multiple factors. Those can be genetic, environmental, and immunological.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary widely from person to person, but they often include:The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary widely from person to person, but they often include:
- Itching: The itching of unusual intensity is a certain point of the clinical picture of atopic dermatitis. Scratching can transform the existing state and take skin to a new level of damage and infection.
- Redness: Affected parts of the skin can look like hives with bumps and blotchy areas.
- Dryness: In eczema, the skin that is diseased is usually dry, and can be rough, or flaky, due to which it becomes itchy and irritating.
- Cracking: The worst conditions even make it to the point where the skin will crack or there will be fissures which results in pain and discomfort.
- Oozing or weeping: Sometimes, the pustules of eczema discharge fluid or get burnt.
- Thickened skin: The process of continuous scratching or rubbing, for a long period of time, can make the skin get extra thick and form a leathery skin. To get treatment you can visit your Best Dermatologist in Lahore.
Causes:
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development:The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development:
- Genetics: People who have such a family history as eczema, asthma, or allergies are much more likely to develop atopic dermatitis.
- Immune dysfunction: The dysfunction of an immune system could certainly contribute to the skin conducting an inflammatory response.
- Environmental factors: Sensitization to irritants, such as harsh chemicals in soaps, detergents, and allergens can aggravate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Treatment:
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the condition:While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the condition:
- Topical corticosteroids: Medications with anti-inflammatory properties help to ease the itching and burning when applied on the skin lesions.
- Antihistamines: Among oral antihistamines the ones relieving itching and improving sleep quality have proven the most effective in eczema management.
- Phototherapy: Careful sun exposure by the UV light in a doctor supervised system can in some cases make differences by reducing inflammations and minimizing eczema symptoms in those with moderate to severe eczema.
- Biologic therapies: If cases of severe or persistent eczema despite the use of traditional drugs are observed, biologic drugs that are aimed mostly at certain components of the immune system are available.
Prevention:
While it may not be possible to prevent atopic dermatitis entirely, certain measures can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and minimize symptoms:While it may not be possible to prevent atopic dermatitis entirely, certain measures can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and minimize symptoms:
- Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that make the eczema situation worse which may include : harsh soap , detergent , certain fabrics , and allergens.
- Moisturize regularly: Ensure the skin has enough moisturizing substances with emollients and moisturizers so that the barrier function of the skin will not be disturbed and dryness will be avoided.
- Practice good skincare: Employ mild and gentle facial cleansers without any fragrance and abstain yourselves from hot showers or baths since the natural oils of your skin would get removed.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen already prevalent symptoms of eczema, which means it could be useful to add relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises to cope with the stress factor.
- Wear protective clothing: When it is cool, dress in several layers and remember to keep your skin under lock and key from the severe environmental conditions by wearing gloves and scarves.
Atopic dermatitis is a recurrent disease of the skin which is defined by scaly, dry, and itchy reddish areas. The disease has no cure but there are a bunch of treatments that can mitigate its impact and restore affected people’s normal way of life. Identifying triggers is important and, together with good skincare and medical advice this is how people affected with atopic dermatitis can effectively manage the condition and keep flare-ups to a minimum. To manage this disease you should consult a Best Dermatologist in Karachi.