Atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by an immunological dysfunction. It affects 10-20% of children in the first years of life. Atopic dermatitis begins in infants between 2-6 months, but can appear at any time up to school age.
Recent research has shown that in the skin of children with atopic dermatitis there are low levels of a substance called ceramide , with low synthesis of the skin protein filaggrin, responsible for skin hydration. symptom
Signs suggestive of atopic dermatitis
Some signs may suggest that your baby has atopic dermatitis:
- dry, rough skin, with red and scaly irritation on the cheeks, chin, behind the knees and elbows
- the child scratches and may have scratches
- in general, in young infants, in the first 6 months of life, the lesions are predominant on the face and scalp, and in the second half of life they extend to the neck, trunk and extremities
If there are cases of bronchial asthma, rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis or eczema in the family history, the child's risk of developing atopic dermatitis is much higher: 50% higher if only one parent is allergic, respectively 80-90% higher if both parents are allergic.
Causes of atopic dermatitis
The causes of atopic dermatitis are mixed: genetic predisposition and the influence of environmental factors. Aeroallergens, irritating substances, sweat and food allergens are favorable factors of the disease.
How can you prevent the worsening of atopic dermatitis?
The first step in combating exacerbations is moisturizing the skin, which will reduce the irritating effects of environmental allergens.
7 tips for skin care:
- avoid bathing with hot water, which causes vasodilation and increases the itching sensation and destroys the skin barrier
- use soaps with neutral Ph, without irritating agents, products intended for atopic skin
- after the bath, do not dry the baby's skin for a long time and apply emollient lotions in the first 3 minutes, when the skin is still wet and the water has not completely evaporated.
- the application of moisturizing lotions based on ceramides, as well as products containing urea, are measures that help restore the skin barrier
- skin care products must not contain alcohol or astringent substances that dry the skin
- the child's newly bought clothes should always be washed to remove formaldehyde and other chemicals from them
- the child's underwear is washed with liquid detergent, which can be removed more easily by rinsing, compared to the solid one
Nutrition of the child with atopic dermatitis
The monitored diet of the child is another element to prevent the aggravation of dermatitis. Breast feeding is the ideal formula, but if this is not possible, the child must receive special milk formulas, partially or intensively with protein hydrolysates.
The ambient environment
A house full of furniture, carpets, curtains and plush toys that collect dust, cigarette smoke, deodorants or other chemical solvents, high humidity and implicitly the appearance of mold are factors that aggravate atopic dermatitis.
Text: Dr. Cristiana Mirica , Primary Pediatrician
