Atopic dermatitis generally appears in early childhood and carries on into the adolescent years. Grownups may suffer from it or have milder signs and symptoms than they did as youngsters, along with sensitive-skin issues.
When you have atopic dermatitis, your skin cells are extremely sensitive to irritants and is subject to turning itchy and acquiring a skin rash. Scratching can relieve the itching, but it frequently causes a skin rash and results in a lasting cycle of itchiness, scraping, and rash.
Avoiding Atopic Dermatitis
Skin affected by atopic eczema (atopic skin) should be kept well hydrated. While investigators have yet to fully determine the etiology (causes) of atopic dermatitis, it's already known that skin dryness plays a large role in aggravating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Dry, atopic skin is overly sensitive to harmful substances. It lacks a moisture layer that protects it from skin irritants. Keeping the skin hydrous makes atopic skin less sensitive to these harmful skin substances. It also makes the skin much more reactive to drug therapy.
Managing Skin Affected by Atopic Dermatitis
Rinse the skin in fresh, clean, and warm—not hot—water for three to five minutes. The skin can absorb fluid and still keep its natural oils. Losing the natural oils causes the skin to get dry. You can shower whenever atopic eczema is under control or if the outbreak is moderate.
Avoid rinsing using strong soap during every bath. Whenever soap is required, use a gentle, nondrying substance, like Aveeno®, Dove®, Basis,® or Neutrogena®. Apply soap on a regular basis only on the underarms, groin, and feet, and rinse off immediately afterwards. Do not allow babies affected by atopic dermatitis to stay in soapy water.
Avoid adding bath products that have oil and bubble bath to the bathwater, since they can decrease the skin's power to absorb fluid. Furthermore, avoid using scrubbers or washrags.
Tap your skin dry following a bath or shower. While the skin is still damp or even wet, use a moisturizer right away—within three minutes of getting out the bath or shower. Prolonging this lets the skin get dry. Moisturizers include Aquaphor®, Eucerin®, or Purpose®. For intense dryness, use petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or an all-vegetable shortening like Crisco®. Also, use the moisturizer numerous times a day.
In hot, wet climates, greasy creams or moisturizers can block sweat glands and make the skin wretched. For more comfort, apply an oil-free product, like Cetaphil® or Aquanil®.
Regarding, cream-based or gel-based prescription drugs and cream moisturizers, speak with your physician about applying a wet bandage on top of the affected spot. This should help ease symptoms but may not be a great idea if medicine is being applied on the skin surface.
Skin Irritants and Atopic Dermatitis
Try to keep away from irritants like:
- Excessively strong soaps, creams, and perfumes.
- Scratchy clothing or bedding.
- Spaces with decreased humidity.
- Abrupt shifts in temperature.
- Heavy sweating.
- Damp feet or hands that are constantly wet.
Emotional stress has also been demonstrated to result in atopic dermatitis over time. However, this is not one of the major factors of atopic dermatitis.
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References:
Abramovits W. (2005). “Atopic Dermatitis.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 53; 1: S86-S93. July.
Jennifer D. Peterson, Lawrence S. Chan. (2006). "A Comprehensive Management Guide for Atopic Dermatitis." Dermatology Nursing. 18; (6): 531-542.
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