Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic itchy disease that usually begins in childhood and goes through periods of exacerbation and recovery. Atopic dermatitis develops as a result of the complex interaction of hereditary, environmental and immune systems.
Approximately 70 percent of patients have one or more atopic diseases such as asthma, hay fever or eczema in the family. If the mother and/or father are sick, the child's likelihood of illness increases. So much so that if one of the parents has one of the atopic conditions listed above, the rate of atopic disease in the child is around 50-60 percent, while if both parents are sick, this rate reaches a very high figure of 80 percent. Although the disease improves with age, patients are sensitive to irritating substances throughout their lives and are prone to occupational diseases.
The incidence is as high as 5 to 15 percent, being higher in industrialized societies. While the frequency of the disease has increased 2-3 times in the last 30 years in developed societies, its incidence is lower in developing societies. In addition, in developed countries, the incidence of the disease is higher in cities than in rural areas, and it is more common in people with high socioeconomic levels. The increase in the incidence is mainly due to environmental factors, increased contact with allergens and food additives at home, especially house dust mites, decrease in breastfeeding, and factors such as the disease being more noticed by the family and physician.
Atopic. The most typical symptom of dermatitis is itching, and skin symptoms develop as a result of scratching. Patients' skin is dry and their itching threshold is extremely low. They are much more sensitive to irritants. Although attempts are made to prevent the scratching movement when the patient is awake, this control disappears during sleep and skin symptoms occur with unconscious scratching, especially in a hot environment.
Skin symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary depending on age. The first symptoms of eczema typically begin in the 3rd month. The most common symptom during this period is; They are dry, red and dandruff rashes that occur on the cheeks. Similar problems occur on the scalp, forehead and chin area. These may develop. Drooling and repeated washings can worsen the current situation. The rash can spread to the outer parts of the arms and legs, or even to the entire body. As the condition becomes chronic, the baby becomes restless and sleep patterns are disrupted. The disease progresses with periods of recovery and exacerbation. Teething, upper respiratory tract infections and stress cause flare-ups. While the condition regresses completely in the 18th month in approximately half of the patients, the shape and location of the rash continues to change in the rest. Between the ages of 2 and 12, rashes appear in fold areas such as the inner surfaces of the knees and elbows, wrists and ankles. Lightening or darkening of the skin color may occur due to constant scratching. Hot, cold, dry weather or psychological stress causes itching and rash to increase. In cases of widespread skin changes, sleep patterns are disrupted, school performance decreases, and communication with friends and family may deteriorate. Similar changes may occur in the fold areas in adulthood, but the most common symptom is hand eczema.
Dry skin is an important feature of atopic dermatitis. Dryness is more evident in the winter months when humidity decreases. Continuous washing increases skin dryness and causes skin integrity to deteriorate. Additionally, dry skin is more sensitive to any environmental irritation and causes itching. Therefore, any factor that increases skin dryness or the desire to scratch worsens atopic dermatitis. For successful treatment, it is essential to know the triggering factors and be able to control them.
Things to consider to soothe skin with atopic dermatitis;
Protect from sudden temperature changes: patients with eczema cannot tolerate sudden changes in environmental temperature. . Sudden increases in temperature, such as lying under a warm duvet, entering a warm room, and physical exercise, cause the urge to scratch. A sudden drop in temperature, such as coming out of a hot shower, also causes itching. To prevent this problem, protect your child from sudden temperature changes and avoid wearing tight clothing that traps heat.
Increase the humidity level in your home above 50 percent: Autumn is a difficult period for atopic dermatitis patients. constitutes the beginning. Because in cold weather the humidity rate decreases and The moisture in the skin, which is in balance with the atmosphere, decreases. As a result, dry skin becomes irritated more easily. Ensure the skin relaxes by increasing the humidity level in your home to over 50 percent with air humidifiers.
Take a bath 1-2 times a day during exacerbations: Constant bathing damages the skin's natural lipid layer, which prevents water loss. As a result, the skin begins to dry out. That's why patients with eczema are generally recommended to take fewer baths. However, contrary to popular belief, reducing the frequency of bathing increases the child's discomfort. Wash your child with warm water 1-2 times a day, especially during periods of exacerbation. To avoid skin irritation when taking a bath, avoid scrubs and washcloths and do not use excessive amounts of soap. Choose cleansers that are suitable for skin pH and have moisturizing properties. Do not forget to apply moisturizers to your body within the first 5 minutes after bathing.
Apply moisturizing cream to your skin frequently: In order for the skin to look normal and feel soft, its water content must be above 10 percent. . However, decreases in the amount of water, which plays a major role in maintaining the skin's elasticity and integrity, cause skin functions to deteriorate. Therefore, apply moisturizer to your baby's skin within 5 minutes after bathing. Make sure that the moisturizer you use does not contain allergenic agents such as dyes and perfumes.
Do not feed fish, soy and peanuts. Observe whether eggs and milk increase eczema: Especially in babies and young children, this may cause exacerbation of skin lesions. as food; Eggs, especially egg whites, milk, peanuts, fish, soy and wheat are blamed. Additives such as preservatives and colorants found in foods can also be responsible for allergies. Do not feed these foods to your child as much as possible. Since milk and eggs are important foods for the child's development, check whether his eczema flares up when you feed these foods. Well-cooked eggs reduce the possibility of allergies. Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 3 months is also protective against eczema.
Destroy house dust mites: House dust mites constitute the most important aeroallergens. Especially to the bed Do not use carpets in other parts of the house, especially in the living room. If you have them, clean them at least twice a week with a vacuum cleaner, preferably with a filter for mites. Do not buy plush toys for your child; if he insists, be sure to wash them every week.
Ventilate the rooms frequently: Take care to ventilate the rooms of your home frequently every day to minimize house dust mites.
Wash sheets, duvets and pillowcases at 60 degrees: Bedding can contain many creatures called mites that can cause allergies. To combat mites, ventilate his bedding frequently and wash bedding at least once a week at at least 60 degrees.
Keep away from pets such as cats and dogs: Diagnosis of pediatric atopic dermatitis Do not take pets such as cats, dogs and birds into your home after receiving the treatment, and reduce your child's contact with these animals outside.
Do not have an oppressive attitude towards studying: Because stressful events can worsen the course of atopic dermatitis. affects the direction. So much so that localized inflammation can spread to the entire body even within one night. Therefore, avoid putting excessive pressure on your child to study.
Make sure his/her clothes are 100 percent cotton: Choose cotton clothes that do not cause sweating and are not tight. Make sure your child's bedding and clothes are not made of wool. Because woolen clothes and bedroom products are one of the most important factors that increase itching.
Do not allow your child to come into contact with soap, detergent and softener: This will cause an allergic reaction. Prevent contact. Do not use softener when washing your clothes, and be sure to wear your new clothes after washing them.
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