ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic Dermatitis, It is a skin disease causing much itchiness. Scratching leads to redness, swelling, cracking, weeping clear fluid, crusting, and scaling. Common disease atopic dermatitis typically manifests during childhood and adolescence. Atopic dermatitis typically subsides in kids before they reach adolescence. However, some kids with atopic dermatitis may still experience symptoms as adults and teenagers. Sometimes the illness doesn’t manifest until an individual reaches maturity. If atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma runs in the family, the likelihood of
developing it is increased. Atopic dermatitis is also more prevalent among non- Hispanic black youngsters, and women and girls are more likely to contract the condition than men and boys.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis:

Itching, which can be really bad, is atopic dermatitis' most prevalent symptom.
Other typical signs include:
1. Dry, irritated skin areas.
2. Rashes that, when scratched, may ooze, drip clear fluid, or bleed.
3. Skin that is becoming harder and thicker. Multiple body regions may have flare-ups of the symptoms at once, and they may also arise within new or unexpected places. The rash can arise anywhere on the body, although the look and location change depending on age. In cases of skin inflammation, patients with darker skin tones frequently notice a darkening or lightening of the skin.

Infants
It is most typical for a red rash, which may ooze when scratched, to emerge on the following throughout infancy and up to 2 years of age:
 Face.
 Scalp.
 Skin that touches in the vicinity of joints when those joints bend.
Although the illness hardly ever affects the nappy area, some parents worry that
their child has atopic dermatitis there.
Childhood
The most typical time for a red, thicker rash to emerge in childhood, typically
between the ages of 2 and puberty, is on the:
 Knees and elbows are often bent.
 Neck.
 Ankles.
Teens & Adult
The most typical location for a red to dark brown scaly rash that may bleed and
crust when scratched is on the teenage and adult:
 Hands.
 Neck.
 Knees and elbows are often bent.
 Skin on the eye area.
 Feet and ankles.
Additional signs of atopic dermatitis on the skin include:
 A Dennie-Morgan fold is a further fold of skin under the eye.
 Skin below the eyes has become darker.
 The soles of the feet and the palms of the hands have extra skin folds.

Additionally, atopic dermatitis sufferers frequently also have the following
conditions:
 Allergies, especially food allergies, and asthma.
 There are other skin conditions, like ichthyosis, which results in thickened,
dry skin.
 Either anxiety or depression.
 Lost sleep.

Why having atopic dermatitis as a child can result in the development of asthma
and hay fever later in life is a topic of ongoing research.

Atopic dermatitis might have complications. They consist of:
 Skin infections caused by bacteria that might get worse from scratching.
These are typical and could make the condition more difficult to manage.
 Viral skin diseases, such as cold sores or warts.
 Sleep deprivation may cause children's behavior problems.
 Hand dermatitis (hand eczema).
 Eye problems such as:

Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which produces swelling and redness in the
interior of your eyelid and the white part of your eye, is one example of
an eye issue.

Your eyelids become red and inflamed as a result of blepharitis.
Causes of Atopic Dermatitis:
Although the exact origin of atopic dermatitis is unknown, scientists do know that
changes to the skin's barrier function can result in moisture loss. As a result, the
skin may become dry and suffer injury or inflammation. According to recent study,
inflammation directly causes itchiness, which in turn causes the patient to scratch.
This causes the skin to become even more damaged and increases the likelihood of
bacterial infections.

The changes in the epidermal barrier, which helps regulate moisture, may be
caused by the factors listed below, according to researchers:
 Gene alterations (mutations).

 Immunological system issues.
 Exposure to specific environmental elements.
Genetics
A family history of the condition increases the risk of getting atopic dermatitis,
which raises the possibility that genetics may be involved in the causation.
Recently, scientists discovered alterations to the genes that govern a certain protein
and aid our bodies in maintaining a healthy layer of skin. Atopic dermatitis results
from a shift in the skin barrier that allows moisture to escape and exposes the skin
immune system to the environment when normal quantities of this protein are
absent.

Immune system
The immune system typically aids in your body's defence against disease, germs,
and viruses. Atopic dermatitis can result from the immune system occasionally
becoming confused and overactive, which can cause skin irritation.

Environment
Atopic dermatitis may develop as a result of the immune system being prompted
by environmental variables to alter the skin's protective barrier and permit more
moisture to escape. These elements could consist of:
 Smoking cigarettes; exposure.
 Specific air pollution types.
 In skin care products and soaps, you can find fragrances and other
ingredients.
 Extraordinarily dry skin.
Living with Atopic Dermatitis:
Here are some tips to help control atopic dermatitis.
 Caring for skin
 By bathing in lukewarm water, you may cleanse and moisturize your skin
without over-drying it. Only take a bath once a day at most.
 Using a cleanser other than soap or mild, unscented bar soap.

 After showering, patting the skin dry and applying moisturizer before it
becomes too dry (avoid rubbing or quick drying).
 Using a moisturizer to lock in the water your skin has absorbed during your
bath.
 Use cream and ointments instead of lotions with a high alcohol or water
content because they can burn.
 Providing defense against irritants and abrasive garments, such wool.
 Talking to your doctor about potential food allergies.
 Managing stress: Relaxation and stress reduction practices can help you
feel less stressed and have fewer flare-ups. It might be helpful to establish
a network of support that includes family, friends, medical experts, and
support groups or organizations.
 Preventing skin irritations: Avoid scratching or rubbing your skin, since
this irritates the skin, causes more inflammation, and can make you itchier.
To lessen rubbing, keep your child's fingernails short.
 Seeking counseling: Consult a mental health professional for counseling if
you are experiencing anxiety, embarrassment, or overwhelming feelings as a
result of the condition.
 Maintaining level indoor temperatures: Try to maintain a cool, constant
temperature and constant humidity levels inside your home. Avoid
circumstances that could lead to overheating. This might aid in reducing
flare-ups.
 Getting restful sleep: Speak to your doctor about ways to better control the
atopic dermatitis if you or your child struggles to get sound sleep at night
due to scratching and itching.
 Avoiding exposure to the smallpox vaccine: A smallpox vaccine should
not be given to anyone who has atopic dermatitis. Even if your condition is
minor or dormant at the time of the shot, if you have atopic dermatitis and
receive the smallpox vaccination, you are more likely to experience a major
side effect. You should also stay away from those who have recently
received the immunization. Before administering the vaccine to any
members of your family, discuss your risks with your doctor.