Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of dermatitis.

The disease can manifest both in childhood and in adulthood, which significantly worsens the quality of a person's life.

What is atopic dermatitis and how to deal with it,

cosmetologist, dermatovenerologist Hanna Kravchuk

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WHAT IT IS

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent skin disease, the etiology of which is not fully established.

But it is known that it is most often diagnosed in children whose parents have atopic diseases.

That is, the main reason for its development is a genetic predisposition or a family history (atopy).

If both parents suffer or suffered from hypertension, the probability of its development in the child is about 80%.

If only mom or dad - about 50-55%.

WHY IT ARISES

Filaggrin (FLG) is to blame for everything.

It is the main protein that is responsible for the barrier function of the skin and is involved in cell differentiation.

Simply put, it helps to maintain as close a contact as possible between the cells of the stratum corneum.

In the case of AT, there is a lack of this protein, because certain mutations occur in filaggrin genes, which negatively affect its synthesis.

This means that the barrier function of the skin in the case of AT is very weak - allergens and pathogenic microorganisms penetrate its layers without problems.

Also, the lack of filaggrin leads to the inability of the epidermis to retain moisture.

The fact is that filaggrin breakdown products are the main components of the natural moisturizing factor (NUF).

Therefore, the main symptom that signals atopic dermatitis is increased dryness of the skin (xerosis).

Then there is severe itching and the appearance of characteristic skin rashes.

In addition, swelling, skin crusts, itchy nodules, papules, peeling may appear.

Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, transfer of infectious diseases, unbalanced diet, climatic factor, disorders of the nervous system do not affect the development of this disease, as is believed.

However, they can aggravate the course of atopic dermatitis.

HOW TO TREAT

It is important to understand that atopic dermatitis is a disease that has a recurrent nature.

This means that after the successful completion of treatment there is a long period of remission.

But later, under the influence of certain factors, remission may turn into a relapse, and BP will have to be treated again.

Some experts claim that blood pressure can be completely cured, but this is not the case.

If it was diagnosed once (especially before school age), the patient must regularly visit a dermatologist.

When diagnosing atopic dermatitis, it is very important to take into account not only the clinical manifestations of the disease and the results of tests, but also the family history.

Very often, when making a diagnosis, doctors mistakenly focus on the concentration of total immunoglobulin (IgE) in the blood serum.

However, the level of IgE has low informativeness.

Simply put, it does not say anything, unlike the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies.

Atopic dermatitis is quite difficult to treat, so diagnosing it is much easier than eliminating it.

The fight against blood pressure is carried out in the course of complex therapy (general and external), the main task of which is to relieve uncomfortable symptoms (itching) and prevent exacerbations.

In the case of AT, the skin must be moisturized, softened and soothed, establishing regeneration processes and strengthening the barrier function.

Therefore, the dermatologist prescribes not only anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs to the patient, but also selects appropriate care products (ointments, creams, solutions, etc.).

Scented toilet soap, products with alcohol, potential allergens and fragrances in the composition, as well as shower gels should be put aside.

Separately, it is worth reviewing the diet, but only if a specialist has identified a food allergen that increases blood pressure.

In approximately 30-40% of patients, the aggravating factor is food products.

The general diet is ineffective in this case, and if the allergen is household, chemical, or medicinal, it is ineffective at all.

Atopic dermatitis is a very serious, chronic disease that requires proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Therefore, I advise parents to carefully monitor their children's well-being and health.

Since the first symptoms of blood pressure can be detected as early as two months — there is a slight peeling of the large fontanel (capilla), swelling in the area of ​​the cheeks, the appearance of a yellow crust on the stratum corneum.

Also, please do not engage in self-medication, do not buy miraculous ointments, do not make lotions and compresses that have been spied on the Internet.

Atopic dermatitis needs to be treated and it is desirable to do it correctly and in a timely manner.

Love yourself and your skin!

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  • What is skin xerosis and how to deal with it