Definition of Atopic Dermatitis
 |
| Atopic Dermatitis, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Atopic dermatitis is skin inflammation or eczema which is characterized by dry skin, persistent itching, and red rashes on the skin. This condition can appear on one or several parts of the body, but most commonly occurs on the face, arms, and legs.
Atopic dermatitis is also known as atopic eczema or dry eczema. This condition is not contagious and usually appears in infants or toddlers, and can recur into adulthood. However, atopic dermatitis can also be experienced by teenagers or adults who have never experienced this condition before.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis generally occurs in the long term (chronic). Treatment aims to relieve symptoms. However, in certain cases, atopic dermatitis can also improve and never recur.
Causes and Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known with certainty, but there are several factors that are thought to trigger the onset of atopic dermatitis, namely:
- Hormonal changes
- Allergies, for example to food, dust, animal hair, wool, or mites
- Irritation to certain substances, such as soaps or detergents
- stress
- Infection
- Cold, dry, or damp air
- Sweat
The main symptoms of atopic dermatitis are itching and skin rashes. Apart from that, atopic dermatitis can also cause other symptoms, such as the skin becoming rough, thick, and scaly. In some cases, problematic skin can also feel painful, even bleeding, which is usually due to scratching.
Treatment and Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis
Treatment of atopic dermatitis aims to relieve the symptoms that appear, such as skin redness, itching, and infection. Methods of treatment include administering topical medicines, moisturizing creams, special therapy, and self-care at home.
To treat atopic dermatitis in infants, treatments that can be done include:
- Recognize and avoid substances, foods and drinks that trigger symptoms.
- Make sure the baby is always in a cool and comfortable room
- Change baby's clothes regularly if the baby sweats
- Change baby diapers regularly.
- Do not use water that is too hot when bathing your baby.
- Use special shampoo and soap for babies.
- Avoid bathing the baby for too long.
- Apply the topical atopic dermatitis medication prescribed by the doctor while the baby's skin is still damp after bathing.
Meanwhile, to prevent atopic dermatitis, do the following:
- Avoid exposure to triggering substances or eating foods that cause allergies.
- Use mild soap or shampoo.
- Do skin care regularly.
- Consume a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, and limit foods high in sugar, flour and saturated fat.
- Wear comfortable and soft clothes.
- Manage stress well, for example with relaxation techniques, and get enough sleep.
Causes of Atopic Dermatitis
It's not known exactly what causes atopic dermatitis. However, several studies have shown that atopic dermatitis is more at risk for people who have a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or have a family who also suffers from atopic dermatitis.
In addition to the factors above, a person's risk of developing atopic dermatitis can increase if they have the following factors:
- Experiencing irritation or incompatibility due to the use of certain skin care products
- Experiencing hormonal changes, such as before menstruation or during pregnancy
- Suffering from skin infection
- Suffering from allergies to foods, such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, or wheat
- Suffer from allergies to environmental exposures, such as dust, animal dander, and plant pollen
- Wearing uncomfortable and irritating clothing materials, such as wool or synthetic fabrics
In patients with atopic eczema, there are several factors that can make the condition worse, namely:
- Exposure to dry, cold and dusty air
- Sweat
- stress
- Exposure to water or air temperatures that are too cold or hot
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema can vary for each patient. However, there are some common symptoms that usually arise, namely:
- Dry skin
- Itching of the skin which may be worse at night
- Reddish to grayish or brownish skin rash
In addition to the symptoms above, patients can also experience other complaints, such as:
- A raised, oozing rash
- The skin around the eyes is darker
- Cracked, peeled, or bleeding skin
- Dry and scaly skin
- The skin on the palms or under the eyes is wrinkled or wrinkled
In toddlers, symptoms of atopic dermatitis include scaly, red, and crusty skin on the cheeks, scalp, hands, and feet. Meanwhile, in children and adults, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis that often appear are red rashes and very itchy sensations on the back of the neck, knees and elbows.
Worsening itching and scratching can make the skin thick, dark, pockmarked, or pitted. Constantly scratching problematic skin can also trigger an infection that can cause other symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Check with your doctor if:
- The rash and itching is so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities
- Infection in the rash, which is characterized by reddish skin, and pus and yellowish crusts appear
- Rashes and itching recur despite self-care
You also need to see a doctor immediately if an infection in a skin rash causes symptoms in the form of fever, weakness, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema can vary for each patient. However, there are some common symptoms that usually arise, namely:
- Dry skin
- Itching of the skin which may be worse at night
- Reddish to grayish or brownish skin rash
In addition to the symptoms above, patients can also experience other complaints, such as:
- Raised, oozing rash
- The skin around the eyes is darker
- Cracked, flaky or bleeding skin
- Dry and scaly skin
- The skin on the palms or under the eyes is wrinkled or wrinkled
In toddlers, symptoms of atopic dermatitis include scaly, red, and crusty skin on the cheeks, scalp, hands, and feet. Meanwhile, in children and adults, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis that often appear are red rashes and very itchy sensations on the back of the neck, knees and elbows.
Worsening itching and scratching can make the skin thick, dark, pockmarked, or pitted. Constantly scratching problematic skin can also trigger an infection that can cause other symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Check with your doctor if:
- Rash and itching so severe that it interferes with sleep and daily activities
- Infection of the rash, which is characterized by redness of the skin, and the appearance of pus and yellowish crusts
- Rashes and itching recur despite self-care.
You also need to see a doctor immediately if an infection in a skin rash causes symptoms in the form of fever, weakness, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis
To diagnose atopic dermatitis, the doctor will ask questions and answers about the symptoms experienced by the patient, as well as the patient's and family's medical history. After that, the doctor will carry out a physical examination.
A physical examination is carried out by looking at the patient's skin condition, especially in areas where the skin is dry and has a red rash.
Generally, doctors can immediately establish a diagnosis just by examining the patient's skin condition. However, doctors can also carry out additional examinations to confirm the patient's condition, such as:
- Allergy test, to detect allergens that cause dermatitis, using a skin patch test or patch test
- Blood tests, to see if the skin rash is caused by a condition other than atopic dermatitis
- Skin biopsy, to differentiate atopic dermatitis from other types of dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
The main goal of treating atopic dermatitis is to relieve the symptoms that appear. The doctor will determine the method of treatment according to the patient's condition.
One way to deal with the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is to use drugs, both in the form of topical, drinking, and injection. The type of dermatitis drug prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted to the symptoms experienced by the patient, including:
• Topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone or hydrocortisone, to reduce inflammation
• Medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants), such as topical tacrolimus, to relieve itching symptoms as well as repair broken skin
• Topical doxepine, for severe itching
• Antibiotic tablets, such as amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin, to treat bacterial infections caused by constant scratching
• Antihistamine tablets, such as cetirizine, to reduce itching and relieve allergic reactions
Apart from administering drugs, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis can also be relieved with the following therapies:
• Dressing therapy
In this therapy, corticosteroid drugs will be applied to the problem area of the skin, then covered with a wet bandage. This therapy is done to treat atopic dermatitis which is classified as severe.
• Light therapy
This therapy uses a special light that is emitted into the patient's body. Light therapy is done if topical medications cannot treat atopic dermatitis. Although effective, light therapy has dangerous side effects, so it is not recommended for babies and children.
• Counseling
One of the factors that is thought to trigger and exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis is stress. To overcome this, patients can undergo counseling with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
To speed up the recovery process, patients can perform independent treatments at home, such as:
- Wrap the problematic skin area with a bandage to protect the skin
- Take a shower with warm water, but not too hot
- Choose soap that does not contain perfumes and dyes
- Using an air humidifier at home
- Wear soft, cool clothing
- Manage stress well
Self-care can also be done by using skin moisturizing products or taking itch relievers. However, consult with your doctor first so that the use of these drugs or products does not worsen the condition.
Atopic Dermatitis Complications
Atopic dermatitis that is not treated properly can cause several complications, namely:
- Neurodermatitis, which is a condition that causes chronic itching, thickened and scaly skin, and skin discoloration
- Raised bumps that are very itchy (prurigo)
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sleep disturbance
- Scar
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Skin infection, either caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi
- Cellulitis
Atopic dermatitis can also have a stressful effect on sufferers. Skin conditions that are damaged and interfere with appearance can reduce the patient's self-confidence, and even trigger bullying.
Atopic Dermatitis Prevention
Prevention of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is difficult, because the cause is not known with certainty. Efforts that can be made are to reduce the risk of these conditions occurring, namely by:
- Carry out safe skin care routine, such as using a moisturizer according to skin type, twice a day after bathing
- Using a soft towel to dry the body after bathing or bathing
- Using a mild soap and does not contain ingredients that cause the skin to dry too much
- Limiting bathing or bathing time to no longer than 10 minutes, and not using water that is too hot
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated
- Wear clothes that are loose and made from soft fabrics, such as cotton
- Maintain room and bedroom temperature so that it is not too cold and dry, and not too hot and humid
- Avoid exposure to irritants and allergens
- Do not eat foods that trigger allergic reactions
- Do not scratch the itchy skin area
- Manage stress well
- Eating healthy food with complete and balanced nutrition
- Exercise regularly and get enough sleep
Related Searches:
- atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis treatments,
- atopic dermatitis treatment,
- atopic dermatitis medication,
- atopic dermatitis symptoms,
- atopic dermatitis self-care,
- atopic dermatitis face,
- what is atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis pictures,
- atopic dermatitis icd 10,
- atopic dermatitis causes,
- atopic dermatitis dogs,
- atopic dermatitis vs eczema,
- atopic dermatitis barrier cream,
- atopic dermatitis hands,
- atopic dermatitis scalp,
- eczema atopic dermatitis,
- mild atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis coal tar extract,
- atopic dermatitis moisturizer,
- icd 10 code for atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis rash,
- atopic dermatitis dog,
- icd 10 atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis,
- what cause atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis treatment over the counter,
- over the counter treatment for atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis feet,
- atopic dermatitis eyes,
- what causes atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis how to treat,
- infantile atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis on feet,
- how to treat atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis on neck,
- infant atopic dermatitis,
- treatment atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis severe,
- atopic dermatitis ultraviolet light therapy,
- atopic dermatitis in dogs,
- contact dermatitis vs atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis in infants,
- atopic dermatitis in infant,
- canine atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis infants,
- atopic dermatitis neck,
- atopic dermatitis urea,
- mild atopic dermatitis face,
- atopic dermatitis eyelid,
- atopic dermatitis contagious,
- atopic dermatitis on legs,
- atopic dermatitis leg,
- severe atopic dermatitis,
- is atopic dermatitis contagious,
- atopic dermatitis on leg,
- pictures of atopic dermatitis in dogs,
- atopic dermatitis cream,
- atopic dermatitis in adults,
- cream for atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis breast,
- atopic dermatitis adults,
- atopic dermatitis on breast,
- atopic dermatitis creams,
- atopic dermatitis legs,
- atopic dermatitis baby,
- atopic dermatitis specialists,
- atopic dermatitis vs psoriasis,
- atopic dermatitis fingers,
- atopic dermatitis eczema,
- atopic dermatitis cats,
- atopic dermatitis on fingers,
- chronic atopic dermatitis treatment,
- dog atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis dogs treatment,
- atopic dermatitis on arms,
- atopic dermatitis black skin,
- atopic dermatitis in cats,
- contact vs atopic dermatitis,
- cat atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis cats treatment,
- atopic dermatitis around eye,
- psoriasis vs atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis puva,
- atopic dermatitis images,
- atopic dermatitis around eyes,
- images of atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis arm,
- atopic dermatitis on arm,
- atopic dermatitis around the eyes,
- atopic dermatitis cat,
- atopic dermatitis pipeline,
- what does atopic dermatitis look like,
- atopic dermatitis arms,
- cure for atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis elbow,
- atopic dermatitis elbows,
- atopic dermatitis atopic dermatitis,
- rinvoq atopic dermatitis,
- atopic dermatitis on face,
