11.21.07
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Tips
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease which is also known as atopic eczema. Atopic dermatitis most often strikes infants and young children, but it can continue into adulthood or first show up later in life. AD is related with other atopic diseases (eg, asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, severe allergic reactions to foods, increased immunoglobulin E production) in several patients.
People having AD tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. This may continue for years and may result in damage to the skin. A person is more prone to have AD if parents or other family members have ever had AD, hayfever, asthma, or food allergies. Cold weather, heat and sweating might make AD acute. Extremes of temperature and relative humidity can be a problem for people with AD.
Sweating caused by overheating and high humidity can abrade the skin. Low humidity causes water to be defunct from the skin. Certain occupations such as farming, hairdressing, domestic and industrial cleaning, domestic duties and care giving expose the skin to several irritants and sometimes allergens. Dry skin creates the itching and rash of AD worse. Wind, low humidity, soaps, some skin care products, and washing or bathing without proper moisturizing can cause dry skin.
AD may be more common among whites, but it affects persons of all races. Commonly adults have pertinacious localised eczema, possibly confined to the hands, eyelids, flexures, nipples or all of these areas. The primary treatment subsumes prevention, which includes avoiding or minimizing contact with (or intake of) known allergens.
Most commercial soaps clear away the oils produced by the skin that normally serve to prevent drying. Using a soap substitute such as aqueous (relating to water ) cream helps keep the skin moisturized. A non-soap soap can be buyed usually at a local drug store. Showers should be kept short and at a lukewarm/moderate temperature. Steroid medicines which are applied to the skin are called topical steroids.
Topical steroids are drugs that cure inflammation. Topical immunomodulators (TIMS) are also medicines that are applied to the skin. Antihistamines taken by mouth can help reduce itching. They are also used to regulate allergy symptoms. Antihistamines taken by mouth can help minimize itching. Limit exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pollens, and animal dander.