Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in children, although it can affect any age. It is characterized by intense itching, skin irritation and inflammatory lesions with a variable appearance and location depending on age and intensity. Atopic skin is very vulnerable and sensitive to all external factors. It is also extremely dry and delicate, even in infants.

No, atopic dermatitis is not a contact-borne disease and cannot be transmitted to other people.

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease that results from the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. It is known that the likelihood of parents with atopy or allergy having children with atopic skin is 30%.

Atopic dermatitis can appear in the first weeks after the child is born, but it is possible to develop it at a later age.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that is not curable and requires daily skin care. During periods of exacerbation of the condition, it is possible to apply medications prescribed by a dermatologist. Often, with age, atopic dermatitis in children grows out and the symptoms subside, but in about 20% of sufferers, periods of exacerbation occur throughout life.

However, the condition can be kept under control. The skin should always be kept moist and factors that worsen the condition should be avoided. Local pharmacological treatment includes corticosteroids and immunomodulators, expressly prescribed by a dermatologist.

In babies and young children rashes most often appear on the face – the cheeks and chin, as well as on the inner folds of the arms and legs.

And in adults – on the face: around the eyes, eyelids, on the neck and hands.

In cases of intense itching, the best solution is to apply a soothing balm to the entire area. If this does not relieve the itching, wet a cotton cloth with cold water and wrap the itchy areas with it until completely relieved. Do not let the child scratch too intensely, because atopic skin is easily injured and thus opens up additional opportunities for external infections.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases, especially in urban areas and in developed countries. It affects approximately 20% of children and adolescents and between 1 and 3% of adults. Most people develop the disease before the age of 5. Atopic dermatitis that develops in childhood often disappears or significantly decreases in adulthood.

In infants, the rash spreads to the neck, scalp, hands, feet, and legs. Large areas of the body may be affected.

Although the color, intensity, and location of the rash can vary, it is always itchy. In older children and adults, the main symptom is intense itching, which can lead to uncontrollable scratching, which activates an itch-scratch-itch cycle that worsens the problem. The constant scratching causes the skin to thicken (lichenification).

It is a complex condition and its causes are still being studied. It is due to both genetic and environmental factors. It usually occurs in members of the same family, sometimes accompanied by conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Atopic dermatitis is not an allergy, but the presence of allergens in the environment increases the chances of developing it, as well as asthma and hay fever (what doctors call the atopic triad).

Atopic dermatitis can be exacerbated by many factors. These include emotional stress, changes in temperature or humidity, the presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin, certain airborne particles (such as dust mites and fungi), certain skin care products (such as unsuitable cosmetics, fragrances, harsh soaps), excessive sweating, and contact with irritating materials (especially wool). In some babies, allergies to certain foods can cause atopic dermatitis.

It is recommended to use substitutes for regular soap, such as an emollient oil or cleansing gel with a light formula and a clean composition. It is good to apply an emollient balm or lotion immediately after bathing, when the skin is still damp.

You should not overdo it with bathing, as the recommended time for a shower or bath is up to 10-15 minutes, with warm, not hot water. After bathing, the skin is carefully dried, instead of rubbing it. rub.

Parents should keep children's nails well trimmed to minimize scratching and thus reduce the risk of infection.