What should we know about atopic dermatitis?

600 thousand Bulgarians, 400 thousand of whom are children, suffer from atopic dermatitis. The chronic inflammatory disease is becoming increasingly socially significant for the Western world and developed societies, where one in three children has the diagnosis.

Learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and options for therapy and symptom relief of atopic dermatitis.

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a systemic disease of the entire body, which manifests dermatologically with skin redness, itching (often unbearable), and eczema.

In atopic dermatitis, there is a disruption of the skin's barrier function. Healthy skin has a natural barrier that retains moisture and protects us from bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Atopy is a condition that affects the skin's ability to provide protection from external factors and thus weakens the immune system.

It is more common in children but can appear at any age.

In our country, every 11th person lives with the diagnosis. About 10% of children experience symptoms of the disease, and approximately 60% of them will have symptoms in adulthood as well.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition and tends to flare up periodically. Dermatological symptoms may be accompanied by asthma, hay fever, and allergies. If not treated adequately and timely, atopic dermatitis can lead to serious health problems.

Besides physical discomfort, atopic dermatitis can have psychological and social consequences. Nearly 60% of adults diagnosed need to take periodic absences from work, and many patients suffer from poor sleep and rest, tension, and even depressive states.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but with appropriate medical cosmetics, such as dermatological emollients (moisturizers) for atopic dermatitis and proper systemic skin care, symptoms can be alleviated, and in some cases – patients can enter permanent remission.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis

The dermatological signs of atopic dermatitis vary significantly and may include one or more of these symptoms:

• Dry, irritated skin
• Eczema, peeling skin
• Itchy rash that can be severe, even unbearable, especially at night
• Red to brownish-gray spots, mostly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, around the mouth, eyelids and around the eyes, in the folds of the elbows and knees, around the groin, in the hair, and in infants – on the face and scalp
• Small bumps that may ooze fluid when scratched and form crusts
• Thickened, cracked, rough, swollen and/or peeling skin

There are no laboratory tests for diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis is diagnosed by a dermatologist based on the presence of three pronounced symptoms – itching, rash in characteristic areas of the body, and chronicity of the condition.

Causes and risk factors for atopic dermatitis

The causes of atopic dermatitis are not fully understood, but observations indicate it occurs as a combination of hereditary factors and environmental influences.

If your parent, brother, or sister has the condition, you are likely genetically predisposed to it as well.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with high hygiene in developed Western societies and more polluted cities. This is also why urban children suffer from it more often compared to those from small settlements.

Overuse of soaps, laundry and disinfectant products, combined with pollution, disrupts the balance of the skin microbiome.

This is the collection of all microorganisms that normally live on our skin and mucous membranes. A disturbed microbiome balance affects the skin's barrier function, weakens the immune system, and is a factor in the development of atopic dermatitis.

Observations also show that babies born by C-section have a 50% higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis compared to those born naturally. The reason is again related to the balance of good and pathogenic bacteria.

The microbiome of babies born naturally is very close to that of the mother and is rich in good bacteria. The microbiome of babies born by C-section is closer to the hospital environment and the mother's skin and is dominated by harmful bacteria. A connection between cold climate and the development of atopic dermatitis has also been proven.

Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone or infect someone with it.

What can activate and exacerbate atopic dermatitis

The condition can be in remission and the skin can feel good for long periods. The exact cause of new symptoms is not yet clear, but factors including even stress have been proven to trigger and worsen atopic dermatitis:

• • Strong soaps and cleaning agents. For atopic dermatitis, use special emollient products for bathing and washing that do not dry out the skin or cause irritation. A suitable and brand new product on our market is Atopity – emollient washing oilo from biotrade. The product, developed by dermatologists, offers gentle care for atopic skin by restoring the microbiome balance and recovering its barrier function. The formula, based entirely on purified natural oils, contains no soap or perfume and is suitable for babies, children, and adults.
  • Some fabrics like wool and coarse materials
  • Perfumes, skin care products, and makeup
  • Pollen and mold, animal dander
  • Tobacco smoke, dust, and sand
  • Stress, tension
  • Dry winter air / low humidity. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis often worsen in winter.
  • Long and hot showers / baths
  • Dry skin, sweating
  • Skin infections
  • Some foods are considered “forbidden” in atopic dermatitis because they provoke and worsen symptoms. It is recommended that both adults and children follow a diet for atopic dermatitis, avoiding eggs, dairy products, wheat, soy, nuts, chocolate, processed foods, and preservatives.

The sun, on the other hand, relieves symptoms in 9 out of 10 people, but if you or your children suffer from atopy and love the sea, avoid sand and salt retention on the skin and use appropriate moisturizing cosmetics with high SPF.

If you are looking for sun protection for atopic dermatitis, Melabel Sun SPF 50+ facial sunscreen by Biotrade is a suitable choice. The product offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays, while being free of artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens, and allergens.

Possible complications of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis flare-ups can sometimes cause or be associated with other health problems, such as:

• Asthma and hay fever. Found in over 50% of children with an immune system affected by atopic dermatitis.
• Neurodermatitis. Characterized by scaly, constantly itchy skin, neurodermatitis in atopic dermatitis can start as a small itchy patch that grows larger when scratched.
• Skin infections. Any injury to the skin surface can lead to infection.
• Hand dermatitis. This condition occurs when your work or habits involve prolonged exposure of the hands to water and frequent use of soap or cleaning and disinfecting agents.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. Also known as contact allergy, it occurs upon contact with something that triggers a reaction due to the impaired skin barrier.
• Sleep problems. Itching can keep you awake at night when symptoms worsen. Lack of quality sleep leads to concentration problems, irritability, and neuropsychiatric consequences in both adults and children.
• Anxiety and depression. Lack of peaceful rest, irritated skin, and the appearance of eczema can stress and even depress patients with atopic dermatitis. Stress, in turn, contributes to the emergence of new symptoms.

Eye infections related to atopic dermatitis, such as keratoconus, cataract, and keratoconjunctivitis, are not excluded. Some patients also suffer from accompanying diseases of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal system, etc.

Therapies for atopic dermatitis

You cannot cure atopic dermatitis, but there are many means to relieve symptoms and even prevent new flare-ups.

Treatments for atopic dermatitis prescribed by your doctor may include:

• Emollient creams. Something every dermatologist would prescribe for you or your child. They restore the lipid balance of dry, sensitive, and atopic skin. Atopity – soothing emollient body balm from biotrade is a new product developed by dermatologists that deeply nourishes, reduces the sensation of itching and irritation, intensely moisturizes, and improves the skin's barrier function. Atopity is medical cosmetics without perfumes and allergens, suitable for infants, children, and adults with atopic dermatitis and hypersensitive skin.
• Sun therapy. As noted earlier, the sun relieves symptoms, but do not forget appropriate sun protection for atopic dermatitis, such as Melabel Sun SPF 50+ facial sunscreen by biotrade.
• Wet dressings with aloe. Relieve acute, unbearable itching.
• Antihistamines. For itch control, especially at night.
• Antibiotics. In cases of bacterial infection.
• Drugs to suppress immune system overreaction. They can be steroidal and non-steroidal ointments and preparations.
• Injectable biopreparations. These innovative drugs are made from a type of protein that helps the immune system fight microbes. They aim to slow down the acute immune system reaction and relieve inflammation that leads to symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

What composition should products and cosmetics for atopic dermatitis have?

Let's start with what should not be in the composition of cosmetics (including makeup). Any allergens, such as dyes, perfumes, parabens, preservatives, sulfates can exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Avoid dehydrating ingredients like alcohol and soap. Exfoliants and products with abrasive particles can wound and irritate the skin, thus provoking worsening of atopic eczema.

Here are the ingredients that best affect atopic dermatitis:

• • Squalane. A moisturizing and soothing oil with properties identical to the skin's natural sebum. This makes it a suitable ingredient for all skin types, even sensitive and baby skin.
  • Oat lipids. Oat oil is extracted from oat kernels and has a lipid profile similar to the skin's natural one. Rich in Omega-3, Omega-6 fatty acids and ceramides, it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothing, and itch-relieving properties.
  • Probiotic complex. Restores the balance of the skin microbiome damaged by atopic dermatitis
  • Vitamin E. Relieves symptoms of atopic dermatitis, especially in children
  • Avocado oil. Deeply hydrates, regenerates, and restores dry and dehydrated skin and skin with inflammatory dermatoses, such as atopic dermatitis, even with lesions on the scalp
  • Panthenol. Supports the healing of skin injuries
  • Glycerin. Retains healing ingredients in the skin and creates a protective film
  • Castor oil. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties due to ricinoleic acid, vitamin E, and other substances. It relieves itching, reduces discomfort and pain.
    

Why choose dermatological cosmetics for atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a medical, not a cosmetic problem.

Although many natural ingredients positively affect atopy, a truly effective and safe complex can only be created by specialist dermatologists. Biotrade is a Bulgarian company for high-quality cosmetics, backed by experienced and proven doctors.

Every biotrade product is specially developed to treat and solve a specific skin problem. This applies fully to the new products for atopic dermatitis by biotrade – Atopity – highly effective emollient care for very dry and atopic skin.

The series includes emollient cleansing oil and soothing emollient body balm and is suitable for daily use in babies, children, and adults. And last but not least, based in Bulgaria, biotrade can offer world-class dermatological cosmetics at affordable prices to Bulgarian consumers.

Life with atopic dermatitis

Atopy is a chronic condition that should not be underestimated, but in most cases, you can control it to a high degree by adjusting your skincare, diet, and habits. Inform your close ones about your diagnosis – this will save you a lot of misunderstandings and social discomfort.

And don't forget that you are not alone – unfortunately, atopic dermatitis is becoming more common, which leads leading companies (like biotrade, yes!) to seek better solutions to relieve the condition.

And one more thing you probably don't know – Brad Pitt, Adele, Catherine Zeta-Jones and even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton have atopic dermatitis. And it seems it doesn't stop them from having a fully fulfilling life.