Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease. Due to the violation of biochemical processes, there is excessive dryness, flaking, redness, inflammatory processes develop, itching is felt. Develops under the influence of allergens, and is often combined with bronchial asthma, food allergies, allergic rhinitis. It manifests itself in the first years of life, more often before 12 months or at the age of 2-3 years, when the child’s diet expands and it gets a lot of allergenic products. With proper treatment and care, the disease progresses to the stage of persistent, long-term remission, but can manifest in adolescents, young and old people in contact with allergens, weakening of the immune system, after stress.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
With atopic dermatitis in children, there is tightness of the skin, redness, the skin peels, it seems rougher to the touch, thickening may appear. Microscopic bubbles are formed, around which moisture is released. The child is worried, scratching the affected areas. When infection occurs, local inflammation develops, wounds heal poorly. With a significant spread in young children, general intoxication of the body is manifested: the temperature rises, peripheral lymph nodes increase. Due to severe itching, sleep and appetite are disturbed, the child often cries. Dermatitis most often affects the face, neck, axillae, scalp, groin, areas under the earlobes, hamstrings, elbows.
Prevention
Atopy translates from Latin as strangeness. The causes of the disease are not always possible to establish. But long-term observation of patients and members of their families, has allowed to establish that it is more likely to develop:
- genetic predisposition – if the parents are healthy, the probability of dermatitis in the child is 20%, if one of them is sick – 50%, if both of them – 80%;
- at unfavorable course of pregnancy, active or passive smoking of the future mother, consumption of food that provokes allergy attacks, use of certain medications;
- when the newborn baby is in a dusty room, insufficient care for his personal hygiene;
- prolonged exposure to allergens that enter the child’s body with food, through the respiratory tract.
Breastfeeding until 6 months of age and avoidance of foods that provoke allergies reduces the likelihood of developing atopic dermatitis.
What to feed a child with atopic dermatitis
In order not to provoke an exacerbation of dermatitis, relieve itching and redness of the skin, it is necessary to follow a diet. From the children’s diet exclude products that burden the immune system: citrus fruits, chocolate, eggs, honey, seafood. Dangerous red (strawberries, cherries, currants, apples) and exotic (mangoes, coconuts, pineapples) fruits.
It is recommended to eat fractional meals: small portions every 3-4 hours. Products are better boiled, stewed, baked, but not fried. Do not use spices, black pepper. The diet should be balanced and contain enough protein, vitamins, trace elements.
As long as possible do not give the child sweet carbonated drinks, chips, breadcrumbs and other snacks. If the baby receives breast milk, carefully introduce new foods. Add foods one at a time once a week to make sure it doesn’t provoke rashes. Offer your baby clean boiled water after meals and between meals.
Skin care with atopic dermatitis
To relieve itching, to prevent infection of the affected skin, you need to properly care for the skin:
- it is better not to take a shower, but a cool bath of about 10 minutes, use therapeutic bathing products with a soft base that cleanses but does not dry the skin;
- moisturizing and softening – the skin should not be dry, to prevent flaking, cracking, regularly apply moisturizing cream, which is recommended by a dermatologist;
- do not let the child scratch the affected areas to avoid infection – apply itching relievers to atopic areas.
Cream or gel removes discomfort during the exacerbation and allows you to sleep, eat, and play in peace. Apply the drug to clean skin, treat atopic lesions and areas around them. Do not exceed the recommended dosage and frequency of application.
Additional recommendations for skin care for atopic dermatitis in children
- Choosing clothes and materials for sleep:
It is important that your child’s clothing be made of natural, hypoallergenic materials such as cotton. Synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse. Avoid woolen fabrics, which can cause itching. Clothing should be loose-fitting so as not to rub the affected areas of the skin. It is also important to ensure that bedding is made of soft materials and should be changed and washed regularly with hypoallergenic products.
- Temperature and humidity in the room:
It is important to control the humidity and temperature in the room. It is best to keep the temperature between 20-22°C and humidity around 50-60%. Dry air can contribute to increased dryness of the skin, and too high a temperature can lead to sweating, which aggravates inflammation. Using humidifiers can help maintain an optimal microclimate.
- Regular check-ups with a dermatologist:
Since atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, it is important to regularly visit a dermatologist to assess the condition of the child’s skin, correct therapy and timely detection of possible exacerbations. The doctor may recommend additional medications, ointments or creams to improve the skin condition depending on the stage of the disease.
- Protecting the skin from sunlight:
In atopic dermatitis, the skin can be particularly sensitive to sunlight. Direct exposure to the sun can cause irritation or inflammation. It is important to use products with a high SPF (at least 30) to protect your child’s skin from ultraviolet radiation, and try to avoid prolonged exposure to the open sun, especially during the hottest times of the day.
- Control of stressful situations:
The psychoemotional state of the child can also affect the manifestation of atopic dermatitis. Stresses, worries, anxious situations can provoke an exacerbation of the disease. It is important to provide the child with a calm and comfortable atmosphere, avoid stressful situations and maintain a daily regimen that includes rest, sleep and active play.
Psychological support for parents
Because atopic dermatitis is a long-term condition, it is important for parents to have support and understand how to cope with the daily challenges of caring for their child. This can be beneficial for their peace of mind as well as improving the child’s quality of life. Families are encouraged to participate in support groups, consult with psychologists or other parents who are facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
Atopic dermatitis in children is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and care. Proper nutrition, compliance with skin care recommendations, use of medications and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and prolong the remission period. It is important to remember that atopic dermatitis is not only a physical disease, but also an emotional burden for the child and his family. Therefore, support from medical specialists, as well as psychological help to parents, plays an important role in the successful management of the disease. Timely detection and competently implemented care and treatment measures can significantly improve the child’s quality of life and reduce the likelihood of exacerbations in the future.
