Atopic dermatitis in babies – every mother's nightmare

If there is one thing that future mothers know even before they have seen their child with their own eyes, it is the term “atopic dermatitis”. Probably there is no woman who has not feared in advance that her child might suffer from this condition, and subsequently every skin redness and every itch calls to mind exactly that diagnosis.

Does my baby have atopic dermatitis, why does it have it and what did I do for it to suffer from this – usually fears and feelings of guilt compete for dominance in the mother's mind, and she feels guilty not only for everything in this world but also for the baby's itching.

Before you dive into these emotions, however, it is appropriate to be completely sure that your child indeed has atopic dermatitis, because it would be foolish to feel guilty about atopic dermatitis when they might have something else you could feel guilty about missing. And to be sure, you need to understand exactly what atopic dermatitis is and what triggers it.

WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition causing itching, dry, and irritated skin. It is often also called “eczema,” but this word encompasses other skin conditions as well.

“Dermatitis” means a skin condition, and “atopic” denotes a group of conditions caused by allergic reactions, and in this sense, atopic dermatitis has the same classification as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Of all types of eczema, atopic dermatitis is the most severe and chronic form of eczema.

CAUSES OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS

It is believed that the condition results from the action or combined action of several factors, the most important being genetic predisposition and immunological factors. Usually, people with atopic dermatitis have other close relatives with the same condition or with another type of allergy or asthma.

According to doctors, people with atopic dermatitis have a compromised skin barrier compared to people with normal skin. This means that if your child has atopic dermatitis, they have dry skin prone to quickly and easily letting in various irritants and becoming dehydrated.

Although millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition, and one in three children has a moderate to severe form of atopic dermatitis, the exact cause is still unknown. However, it is almost certain that 90% of people with this diagnosis have it before they turn 5 years old, and that initial diagnosis in adults is extremely rare. The only good thing is that it is not contagious – meaning your baby cannot "catch" it by playing with another baby who suffers from atopic dermatitis.

Observations so far show that the following things can trigger atopic dermatitis:

• long and hot showers
• sweating
• cold and dry cold
• soaps, detergents, disinfectants, and cleaning agents
• woolen clothes, synthetic fibers
• physical irritants – sweat, dirt, sand, smoke
• allergens – pollen, dust
• stress
• prolonged physical exertion

There are also many external factors that contribute to the birth of children with this condition – polluted air (currently there are more cars and industrial pollution in the world than ever before), aggression on the skin and the tendency to use countless detergents and soaps that dry out the skin. The increased presence of allergens at home also plays a role – many people unknowingly live in the company of mites or are allergic to their pets.

Surprise – smoking is also a factor in the development of atopic dermatitis, especially if you are a mother of a small baby and smoke often and heavily. Chemical food additives used in foods, changes in eating habits, and the introduction of products uncharacteristic for our geographical area (exotic fruits, herbs, cereals) contribute to the increase in cases of atopic dermatitis. External factors also include the reduced exposure of today's children to various microbes and bacteria, and infections in general, due to the obsessive tendencies to raise children in a sterile clean environment.

SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS

The most common and widespread symptom is dry, itchy skin that turns into a red rash. During the active phase of atopic dermatitis, the rash becomes especially pronounced, and the itching – unbearable, but scratching brings momentary relief – in the long term, it increases inflammation and can even cause a more severe infection.

In babies, the picture can look even more unpleasant:

• dry, red scalp with skin plaques
• rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• a rash that turns into blisters and releases clear fluid

In babies, these symptoms lead to disturbed sleep, as well as severe infections due to scratching.

In older children, rashes spread over the elbows, knees, or both simultaneously. Skin plaques appear where the rash is, lighter and darker spots on the skin, thickened skin areas, rash on the neck and face, especially around the eyes, and extremely dry skin that forms scales. The condition requires medical intervention if the rash develops into pain, swelling, puffiness, or warming of the affected areas, if there is fluid discharge from the inflamed plaques, or if the condition worsens and you develop a fever.

HOW TO DEAL WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for atopic dermatitis to date. Finding an approach that relieves the rash and itching is extremely important for leading a normal life – for the baby, the mother, and the father. Soothing the skin reduces stress and helps prevent skin infections.

The best prevention for atopic dermatitis is hydration, and overall care includes products for atopic skin care, medications, and changes in daily routine. Hydration improves the skin barrier, enhances its protective functions, shielding it from allergens and irritants. Of course, the easiest way to hydrate is bathing, but using specific moisturizing products.

Feeding a baby with atopic dermatitis is also an extremely important part of prevention. Most mothers worry that something they eat caused the condition in their baby. In most cases, this is not true, but still don't overeat peanuts, shrimp, all kinds of nuts, and cow's milk.

More importantly, you should know that breast milk is always the better choice compared to formula for a baby with atopic dermatitis. Breast milk has a naturally perfect balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, antibodies, and all kinds of other substances that protect the baby and support its immune system. When it comes time to introduce solid foods to a baby with atopic dermatitis, introduce dairy products, eggs, soy foods, seafood, nuts, peanuts, and gluten slowly.

An interesting fact is that diaper rash in the area of atopic dermatitis will not be a characteristic symptom if your baby has atopic dermatitis. Do you know why? Because that area is often moist, of course. The problem with this area is different and is called "diaper rash", which, however, is a short-term problem and is resolved with a special cream.

And a few words about vaccines and their connection to atopic dermatitis. In short – there is no connection. There are studies proving that vaccines do not cause atopic dermatitis, so follow your baby's immunization schedule and at least don't blame yourself for this.

COSMETIC PRODUCTS FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS

As we have already understood, atopic dermatitis is incurable, but it can be controlled so that your child does not scratch to the point of causing wounds. We also understood that the condition is triggered by allergens, irritants, ingredients in some household and cosmetic products.

All these things, especially if you have evidence that they cause inflammation, should be avoided. However, others should be introduced into the cosmetic routine and they are generally called moisturizing products.

Moisturizing lotions and creams are an essential part of care for atopic skin, as they enhance its protective function and prevent the penetration of irritants. Sometimes these products are prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of the condition.

In milder cases, you can choose the cosmetics yourself to care for the baby – they should contain a high concentration of water and allow for frequent application. Most specialists recommend applying moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing, and the bathing should be done with a product for atopic skin.

BIOTRADE PRODUCTS FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS

ATOPITY SOOTHING EMOLLIENT BODY BALM

The balm provides restorative lipid care, suitable for very dry, sensitive, and atopic skin. It is intended for use on infants, children, and adults. It nourishes deeply, reduces the sensation of itching and irritation, while intensely moisturizing and improving the skin's barrier function.

The balm has an ultra-light texture, no fragrance, and literally melts on the skin. It can be applied morning and evening, and if needed – more often.

INGREDIENTS

• Lipids from oats soothe the skin and help it recover from the damage caused by atopic dermatitis.
• A probiotic complex helps restore the balance of the skin microbiome.
  Ultra-light texture without fragrance that melts into the skin.

ATOPITY EMOLLIENT CLEANSING OIL

The oil is very gentle on dry skin and cleanses it in a mild way. It contains no fragrance or soap, but has a moisturizing effect that restores the skin’s water-lipid barrier. You can safely bathe the child with it every day.

INGREDIENTS

• Lipids from oats, rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which instantly soothe the skin and relieve itching.
• Glycerin and purified avocado oil – for instant skin hydration.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARENTS

Preventing a new “flare-up” of atopic dermatitis is your most important task as a parent of a child with this condition. Here are some recommendations you can try and if successful, implement as rules.

• • Long baths and playing in the bath are great for children, but for those with atopic dermatitis the water should not be hot. Use products for atopic skin.
  • Dress the child in clothes that allow the skin to breathe. Cotton is traditionally the best textile choice, while wool and especially polyester will definitely irritate the skin. Don’t wrap the child from head to toe in tight clothes that make them sweat, as sweat also triggers rashes.
  • Keep the child’s nails short – this way they won’t be able to scratch until wounds appear.
  • Do not overheat the child – this is extremely important, not only for children with atopic dermatitis. They do not have good thermoregulatory control and overheat easily. There is no need to wrap them up like Eskimos every time you go outside.
  • Give the child water regularly enough.
  • Get rid of allergens at home – pollen, mold, tobacco smoke.
  • Don’t stress the child and try to relieve them when you see they are stressed.

And finally – don’t give in to guilt. There are millions of children worldwide suffering from atopic dermatitis – yours is not the only one and you are not to blame.

The condition can be managed so that the child can have a normal life (and you too), you just need to invest time in researching what triggers the rashes and use the right cosmetics.

And keep in mind that many children outgrow atopic dermatitis, becoming teenagers and adults who very rarely have an episode of inflammation, and in most cases live completely normal lives and learn to control the condition themselves.

Author: Krasimira Hadjiivanova