Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease often interchanged with the condition, eczema. Although it typically begins in childhood, it can develop at any age. It isn’t contagious, so, if you do have it, you can rest easy knowing that you can’t spread it to someone else.
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms are inflammation and irritation of the skin. Irritation includes red, scaly, and itchy skin.
You may find symptoms showing up on different parts of the body, including:
- Cheeks
- Behind the ears
- Behind the knees
- Elbow creases
- Hands
As the skin can become extremely irritable, it can be hard not to itch. Unfortunately, when you do, it can lead to worsened symptoms. The skin can crack, and leak clear fluid, also known as weeping. It will then become crusty and scale over.
Sometimes, the atopic dermatitis symptoms will become worse, or flare-up. Other times, the skin will improve and even disappear, and the condition goes into remission. Despite these remissions, it’s necessary to actively treat the skin to prevent severe and uncomfortable flare-ups from happening.
Atopic Dermatitis Causes
Although it can be challenging to pinpoint a direct cause of atopic dermatitis, many doctors state that our genes, the environment, and the immune system can all be a factor. In some cases, it may be as simple as the following:
- Dry skin
- Stress
- Skin infection
- Rough fabric (wool)
- Sensitivity to cleaning products
- Mould
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Excessive heat and sweat
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms Treatment
Atopic Dermatitis treatments and chronic atopic dermatitis treatments are generally viewed as the same. This is because in most cases, it is chronic. Even when it’s been gone for years, it can flare up without notice.
Adding treatment to your personal care routine can significantly help control symptoms. If you are struggling with your symptoms, we advise you to talk to your doctor to confirm that you suffer from atopic dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis Prevention
According to the National Eczema Association, “Keeping your skin’s moisture intact is one of the most important things you can do to help control your eczema or atopic dermatitis.” This is because when your outer layer of skin is protected, you lower your risk of damaging this skin barrier.
A damaged skin barrier makes the skin more susceptible to allergens, bacteria, irritants, and other nasty intruders. Lastly, if your skin barrier is damaged it can’t retain water as it needs. This leads to dry, itchy skin, and ultimately your skin conditions worsen.
Prevention of skin flare-ups, and dry and itchy skin by using the best personal skin care products is half the battle. Once you become familiar with the symptoms, atopic dermatitis treatment over the counter isn’t the only way to treat irritated skin.
Our non-prescription Dermal Therapy moisturizers applied daily (ideally after a bath or shower) help normalize skin. The thicker the skin, the higher the concentration of urea is recommended. You can learn more about urea on our website.
Your skin will thank you for the relief it gets when you include the following Dermal Therapy Products in your personal care routine.
Dermal Therapy™ Body wash – Use daily to help gently cleanse and moisturize the skin.
Dermal Therapy™ Extra Strength Body Lotion – Use to maintain healthy skin and protect your skin’s barrier. Works great to prevent invaders from causing irritation and flare-ups. *Tip* - for those who find the lotion stings, mix a small amount of water with lotion to calm the intensity.
Dermal Therapy™ Sensitive Skin Care Lotion – Best used post-flare-up to help heal the skin. Once the skin is less irritated you can use the body lotion. *Tip* - If the skin is broken, be careful applying the lotion around the broken skin. See our tip above about adding water if it stings.
Source: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/
