Atopic Dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, is also called atopic eczema. It mainly occurs in children, but can persist into adolescence. Eczema is a condition characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness or cracking of the skin.
Sometimes fluid or blood also comes out. This can lead to other psychological problems, such as sleeplessness, low self-confidence, depression, and poor quality of life, including poor performance in school or work. AD affects 20% of children and 3% of adults in the world.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is a skin allergy in which the immune system becomes Hypersensitive. In this, even the slightest thing causes allergy in the skin. Skin irritation, stretch and red marks start appearing. The face, the inner part of the elbow and the back of the knee are also more prone to this infection. Atopic Dermatitis can occur at any age.
Symptoms for Atopic Dermatitis
It may have the following symptoms. As-
• There will be more itching or burning in the affected area at night.
• Brown and red spots on feet, hands, wrists, neck, chest and face.
• You may have pimples on your face which will ooze pus when you poke them.
• Thick, rough and hard skin may also be seen.
You will feel uncomfortable when you scratch, which will make the skin more sensitive and the chances of infection will increase.
On the appearance of any Symptoms, Consult your doctor and do not start the treatment.
When to See Your Doctor?
See your doctor if you experience any of these signs and symptoms:
• Feeling unwell, such as not being able to sleep and not being able to go about your daily activities
• Feeling pain in some parts of the skin.
• Infection in the skin (stretching of the skin or appearance of yellowness, if it is understood in common language, then the skin becomes lifeless)
• If home remedies and common medicines are not reducing your problem, then show it to the health expert as soon as possible.
• If there is any kind of disorder in the eyesight due to the condition of the skin or there is difficulty in seeing, inform the doctor as soon as possible.
In case of any of these signs or symptoms, do consult your doctor. Everyone’s body reacts differently to different situations. Therefore, get the treatment done only after consulting your doctor.
Types and Specific Symptoms of AD
Due to this disease, the problem of itching, burning, rash, swelling, red marks, dry skin occurs on the affected part. In many cases, it also causes problems like bleeding, white part of the skin, hardening of the skin. This disease occurring in the skin can be from a small part to the whole body. There are four types of AD as below :
1. Atopic Dermatitis
This disease mostly occurs in childhood. In this, there is a red rash on the skin, in which there is a lot of itching. It occurs on the elbows, behind the knees and on the front of the neck. In many cases, there is a problem of pus coming out of the rash. This disease can also be seasonal, in which red rashes start forming on the skin with the change of season.
2. Contact Dermatitis
It is a red colored and burning rash. It occurs when you come in contact with something that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. Many times a person’s skin starts getting cut in this.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
In this condition, a thick layer of white color accumulates on the skin. This part becomes red and itchy. It occurs on the oily parts of the body such as the face, upper chest and back. This type of dermatitis does not heal quickly. Children are also at risk of getting this disease.
4. Follicular Eczema
In this type, the skin of the affected area becomes thick and becomes covered with boils.
Causes For Atopic Dermatitis
The problem of atopic dermatitis can be due to different reasons in every person. Many skin-related issues are included in this issue. Mostly this problem is due to allergy. Atopic dermatitis can also be caused by genetic factors in some people. If your skin is healthy then it works to protect you from bacteria, allergies etc. but some people get this problem due to genetic reasons due to which their skin gets damaged.
Due to allergies related to food and drink, this problem is also seen in some children. Apart from genetic reasons, the main reasons for the problem of atopic dermatitis are as follows.
• Due to change in weather.
• Due to excessive sweating.
• Use of detergents and chemicals.
• Dryness of the skin.
• Causes of allergies to clothing.
• Causes of stress and depression.
How Do Babies Get Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is not yet known, but studies suggest that genes may play a role. In some cases, symptoms may be triggered or aggravated by certain foods (such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, or oranges).
In babies, eczema usually appears as a rash on the hands, face, neck, inside of the elbows and behind the knees, but it can also spread to other places. There is a lot of itching (pruritus) when eczema rashes occur. If it does not go away or gets worse, you should consult your baby’s doctor whether it is clinical eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) or dry skin, and then treat it accordingly.
Symptoms of eczema affect the skin. Sometimes eczema symptoms are triggered by skin irritation caused by chemicals, such as detergents found in shampoo, washing powder, bubble bath, and fabric softener. Your doctor may recommend using a bath emollient instead of soap. Try substituting your washing detergent for a non-biological (enzyme-free) detergent to see if it helps with your baby’s eczema.
Eczema can be very troublesome for babies as they cannot help but scratch, which can lead to infection. In some cases, eczema can disturb your child’s sleep and affect his confidence.
Risk Factors For Atopic Dermatitis
The following physical problems can occur when atopic dermatitis occurs. As
• You may develop eczema if someone in your family has had it.
• Even if you work in the treatment of dermatitis, there may be a possibility of infection.
• You can get this disease even if you live in the city.
• Even if you send the child to child care, this disease can happen because your child can be more sensitive than necessary.
• If you have hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Children are prone to high fever due to atopic dermatitis.
• Sometimes eczema can cause asthma in children.
• There can be excessive itching on the skin due to which there is a possibility of bleeding from the skin.
• Some children are more prone to infections due to atopic dermatitis.
• Due to itching on the skin, there can be a problem of sleeplessness.
Prevention For Atopic Dermatitis
How to Avoid?
• To avoid dermatitis, some changes related to lifestyle and lifestyle can be useful.
• Don’t take bath for a long time. Try to take a bath in 5 to 10 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water instead of very hot water for bathing.
• Avoid using soap or shower gel that dries the skin. Instead, use a soap containing moisturizer.
• Moisturize your skin well on a daily basis. Apply the cream immediately after bath, this will allow it to penetrate the skin better.
• Use a soft towel to wipe the body. Avoid excessive skin rubbing.
Home Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms can sometimes be alleviated at home, but patients should consult their doctor to determine the best course of therapy for their symptoms.
Home Remedies include:
1. Natural Moisturizers
Natural remedies for itching and moisture retention exist. The National Eczema Association claims that research supports the effectiveness of the following treatments:
• Coconut Oil
A person can apply virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil directly to eczema to help moisturize the area and reduce bacteria. A person should use it once or twice per day on damp skin.
• Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory and barrier-improving properties that may benefit the skin. A person should apply it twice a day.
• Cardiospermum
This plant extract may lessen itching, irritation, and bacteria on the skin.
2. Bathing
Bathing daily is crucial for eczema because it keeps the skin moisturised and guards against infection. Additionally, individuals might experiment with various baths for eczema, such as:
• Baths with Bath oil
• Oatmeal Baths
• Baking Soda baths
• Vinegar Baths
A bleach bath may lessen skin irritation and bacterial buildup, which can lessen the likelihood that the rash will become infected. Never immerse in one of these baths for longer than 15 minutes at a time, and use caution while using bleach.
(Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is just to wake you up for your health purpose. Out intension is not to mislead or It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.)
3 thoughts on “Atopic Dermatitis (AD) : Symptoms, Causes, Types, Prevention and Treatment”