Atopic Dermatitis In Adults And Children - Causes, Symptoms, Diet And Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis With Folk Remedies

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Atopic dermatitis

Content:

• Description
• Symptoms
• The reasons
• Dermatitis in children
• Diet
• Treatment

Periodic severe itching, which is accompanied by rashes and redness, is quite common. Not many people know that these symptoms can be the cause of an unpleasant disease.

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a diffuse neurodermatitis. It manifests itself as severe itching and is a chronic allergic dermatitis that occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition to it. This type of dermatitis is closely related to a predisposition to atopic diseases. These include bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and hay fever. These diseases affect heredity, so the risk of atopic dermatitis is quite high.

Diffuse neurodermatitis manifests itself in the form of annoying itching, various types of rashes, as well as increased levels of immunoglobulin E and high sensitivity to allergenic and non-allergenic irritants. The disease manifests itself in different ways at different times of the year. Most often, in the cold season, a relapse occurs, in other words, an exacerbation, and in the summer, on the contrary, cases of partial or complete remissions are recorded, when the disease does not make itself felt.

Atopic dermatitis is often seen in children under the age of twelve, and is less common in adulthood. In the first year of a person's life, the risk of developing the disease is 70-80%, and closer to adolescence, the probability that it will manifest itself reaches 90%.

Over the past decades, the increase in the incidence of atopic dermatitis has gone up sharply, and at the same time its course and outcome have become more frequent, so it is important to know about the symptoms of such a disease.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis

The manifestation of atopic dermatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• dry skin, and its increasing itching;
• swelling and redness of the skin;
• the appearance of plaques and red spots on the skin, which have a fuzzy, blurred border;
• erosion and abscesses (in advanced cases).

Atopic dermatitis can most often be observed in the folds - elbows, knees, in various folds, in the front and back of the neck, on the back of the feet and hands. Also, the disease can be localized in the forehead and temples.

As a rule, everything starts with the first aforementioned symptoms, after which, if contact with an allergen or other provoking factors is not excluded, a complication of the course of the disease may occur. Combing the rash leads to the formation of weeping erosions, and in the case of an infection, abscesses appear.

The course of the disease has a recurrent nature, when periods of exacerbation and recession may appear. It is a great relief for the patient and the attending physician to identify the factors that provoke the manifestation of atopic dermatitis again and again.

Causes of atopic dermatitis

The main cause of atopic dermatitis is genetic. Bronchial asthma and a tendency to allergies in relatives can give a not very pleasant inheritance, therefore, these factors should be taken into account in order to be prepared for the manifestation of atopic dermatitis. This does not mean that this disease will necessarily appear, but there is a likelihood of a tendency to sensitivity to various allergens. Skin hyperreactivity can occur in response to contact with pollen, animal hair, or house dust.

It is quite simple to determine the influence of one factor or another on the appearance of exacerbations of atopic dermatitis. Relapses occur during the period of close contact with one or another allergen, and the decline in exacerbation is noted during its absence.

The development of the clinical picture of atopic dermatitis is also noted during the period of severe stressful situations and psychoemotional stress. The body's immune response refers to the genetic background and if there are signs of atopy, then atopic dermatitis is very likely.

Another reason for the detection of the disease is considered to be tobacco smoke. This factor is also due to a genetic predisposition, which is why a reaction occurs.

Learn more: List of Popular Allergens in Adults

How to identify an allergen?

If you find signs of atopic dermatitis, you should consult with a dermatologist and allergist. For a clearer picture, tests are prescribed for the indicators of immunoglobulin E. Atopic dermatitis gives high indicators, which indicates a tendency to an allergic reaction.

The allergen provoking the disease is determined using allergic tests. On the patient's skin, in the forearm area, one or another allergens are applied in small doses and they look at the reaction. If redness or rashes appear, a positive reaction to the allergen is recorded.

Read more: 4 methods to detect an allergen

Atopic dermatitis in children

Most complaints of atopic dermatitis occur in childhood, when the immune and nervous systems are still poorly formed.

In the first twelve years of a person's life, the disease can manifest itself in three stages:

• infant;
• children's;
• teenage.

There is also adult atopic dermatitis, but this diagnosis is made after twelve years, as it has a different course.

Infant stage

The infantile stage of atopic dermatitis occurs from about the second month to two years. In the circles of parents and pediatricians, this stage is often used to call diathesis. Dermatitis is localized at this stage most often on the face, bends of the limbs, it is not uncommon to spread throughout the body, as well as on the buttocks and on the scalp. It manifests itself first in the form of redness and light rashes, but due to the fact that the affected areas get wet, swelling appears and crusts appear.

Find out more: Diaper dermatitis in newborns

Childhood stage

The children's stage is observed from two to twelve years old. During this period, rashes are more often noticeable in the neck area, in the bends of the limbs and on the hands. Due to the fact that the child often scratches the itchy areas of the skin, a more aggravated course of the disease is observed. Characterized by skin edema, thickening of the skin pattern, its strengthening, papules, crusts, erosion, plaques and cracks may occur. Also, due to scratching, hyperpigmentation of the eyelids is observed, the appearance of a skin fold in the area of the lower eyelid, which is also called the Denier-Morgan line. Such features of the course of the childhood stage of atopic dermatitis are very painful, therefore, immediate medical intervention is necessary.

Teenage stage

The adolescent stage is characterized by a rather changeable course, when the disease can subside or, conversely, worsen. Basically, the cessation of rashes is observed in young men, although boys are more prone to atopic dermatitis. Exacerbation of the disease is manifested in the expansion of the affected area, when the rash covers the décolleté, wrists, elbow fossa and very strongly affects the face and neck. The last sign is familiar by the name "red face syndrome".

The causes of atopic dermatitis in children are similar. These are genetics, various infections and irritants, food allergies, as well as non-compliance with temperature standards in the room. The latter factor is very important, as it provokes irritation in babies, which causes rashes. The room temperature should not be higher than 23 C, and the humidity - at least 60%.

Regardless of whether or not there is an exacerbation of the disease, the skin has a changed appearance, so it needs special moisture and care. After washing, the skin and all the folds on the child's body must be thoroughly dried, after which it is necessary to moisturize with a cream or lotion and leave to dry completely.

If you do not follow the correct conditions in skin care, complications may arise:

• pustules and crusts, which are accompanied by an increase in temperature;
• erosion;
• fungal infections;

In very advanced cases, when the necessary treatment was not provided, and the allergen was not excluded, bronchial asthma occurs. This disease is recorded in 80% of cases and manifests itself in late childhood.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in children

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause that provokes a regular exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Otherwise, the rash will recur again and again, affect the skin and spoil it with its marks.

If the allergy is caused by animals, dust and plants, it is necessary to minimize the child's contact with them, and, if possible, completely exclude them. Carpets, books and a large number of stuffed toys should not be in a child's bedroom; it is also worth replacing wool blankets and down pillows with synthetic ones. With regard to animal hair and pollen, care should be taken that the child is in contact with these allergens to a minimum. At the beginning of the flowering season, special nasal sprays and other drugs will not interfere, but a doctor should prescribe them, based on individual characteristics.

Food allergens are a little easier to deal with because the lunch menu can be adjusted. But also the amount of food plays an important role, because overeating affects the stagnation in the intestines, which is why toxins are formed, which are released with sweat and urine. This sweat irritates the skin and causes inflammation.

The success of treating childhood atopic dermatitis depends on identifying the allergen or provoking factor and eliminating it from the child's life. Food, chemical, natural allergens should be removed from the child, and in the case of psycho-emotional stress, it is necessary to create calm and comfortable conditions for the beloved child.

Learn More: List of Popular Allergens in Children

There can be no more funds, because the immature liver of a child will not cope with the medication, and the constant presence of the allergen will aggravate the situation more and more.

In addition, you can help your baby with facilitating procedures. In the first two years of life, herbal baths should be regular for the crumbs, then - at will. Be sure to moisturize dry, itchy skin with natural oils or baby creams. All folds must be regularly ventilated. Itchy pimples of children should be anointed with brilliant green or fucarcinum.

It is very important to visit an allergist, neurologist and gastroenterologist. They will help establish the cause of atopic dermatitis and prescribe more competent therapy. A visit to a specialist is especially important if the disease has passed into an advanced stage.

Diet for atopic dermatitis, menu

Compliance with the correct diet is very important for the patient, because his condition will depend on it. If the allergen has not yet been identified, a special diet is an excellent solution to maintain good health.

What not to eat with atopic dermatitis:

• citrus;
• cocoa, chocolate, candy;
• groundnuts and greens;
• milk and eggs;
• a fish;
• red and orange vegetables, fruits and berries.

Such a diet should be followed until the product that provokes an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis is precisely determined.

Read more: Diet for allergies

Cooking should include complete water and heat treatment. The water used for cooking must be clean, not from the tap. In no case should you overeat while eating, so it is better to eat less, but more often. This is very important for children. If the child is bottle-fed, you do not need to pour a lot of the mixture from the bottle at once, it is better to split the assigned portion several times. Pediatricians not in vain claim that atopic dermatitis is much less common in thin children.

Mom's diet for atopic dermatitis

Mom's diet should be equally well balanced. Even if a woman does not suffer, and has never suffered from this disease, it is still very important to follow a diet, because you can never say for sure which of the relatives did not complain of atopy. The same allergenic products are not allowed for nursing mothers, and pregnant women can only be in a minimal amount.

Foods are best steamed or boiled so they are easier to digest and not linger in the intestines. Contact with household chemicals and concentrated washing powders should also be excluded, it is better to wash your hands with baby soap, where there is no alkali. A nursing mother should carefully use antiperspirants, perfumes, try not to wear woolen, synthetic and dyed clothes to the baby.

Although these precautions may seem troublesome, breastfeeding will help strengthen the immune system and for a long time, maybe forever, forget about atopic dermatitis.

Find out more: 23 foods to boost immunity

Treatment of atopic dermatitis with folk remedies

Many may think that rashes on the body are just rashes on the body and do not lead to death. But this delusion significantly spoils life, which passes in physical and mental discomfort.

Treatment of diffuse neurodermatitis takes a fairly long period of time and requires personal effort and financial investment, but in the end the result will be a great joy and relief.

Why is it necessary to treat atopic dermatitis?

1. To reduce and subsequently eliminate itching and inflammatory skin changes.
2. To normalize skin moisture, restore its structure and functions.
3. To prevent the development of a severe form of the disease.
4. To prevent the development of concomitant diseases that often interfere with the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Left to chance, the disease pretty much spoils life, and at the same time interferes with relationships in business and personal life. Children are very shy about their illness, they can withdraw into themselves, accumulate complexes, and this increases the psychoemotional load.

In fact, treating atopic dermatitis, though long, is not difficult. Treatment procedures are pleasant, and the dietary menu is always a good look.

On the subject: Modern methods of treating allergies

Besides diet, there is another caveat - taking baths. Such water procedures should be carried out as rarely as possible when there is an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. An exception is herbal baths, which can be taken two to three times a week. But the temperature should not be higher than 38C, and not lower than body temperature.

Instead of reducing moisture from the outside, you should take inside as much drink as possible. It is best if these are herbal decoctions. A very good remedy is considered to be a tincture of tree peony. The chopped herb of the plant will need one tablespoon, you will also need the same amount of valerian root and a glass for each herb of alcohol or vodka. The herbs are placed separately in glassware and poured over with alcohol or vodka, after which they are left for three weeks in a dark, secluded place. They are treated with such a tincture for one month, taking a teaspoon three times a day. The course of treatment can be repeated after a week break.

You can also make lotions or compresses. Potatoes are very helpful. It should be grated with a non-metallic grater, and then put on cheesecloth and squeezed out a little. Such a compress is good to do at night.

Lotions are made from fresh or dried pear leaves. Approximately a glass of crushed leaves is poured with half a liter of boiling water, after which it is brought to a boil, boiled for several minutes, removed from heat and, wrapped, left to infuse overnight. The compress is kept as long as it remains wet, and so that it does not constrain movements, it is tied to the body with cling film.

Healing tea for atopic dermatitis can be given to children. You will need chopped grass and borage. Pour about a tablespoon of this mixture into a ceramic teapot and pour boiling water over it. The teapot is well wrapped and left for two to three hours. The herbal tea should be filtered and drunk thirty minutes before meals.

Another tincture for atopic dermatitis is made from a glass of vodka and a tablespoon of birch buds. The plant is poured with vodka and tightly closed, after which it is left to brew for three weeks. The tincture is drunk in 30-40 drops, diluting it in a tablespoon of water, several times a day (3-4 times).

Find out more: 13 popular treatments for dermatitis

Baths for atopic dermatitis

It is not advisable to take baths, but herbal fonts do not apply to this prohibition. To prepare a font, you will need oak bark, oat flour, which is made by grinding oats in a mixer - 250 grams of each component, as well as one and a half liters of water. Oak bark is placed in an enamel bowl, poured with water, and then brought to a boil and cooked for about ten minutes. The broth is cooled, filtered and poured into a bath, where oatmeal flour is also added (one and a half glasses). taking a bath lasts about half an hour, and the duration of the course is unlimited.

For adults suffering from exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, it is useful to wash in the morning before starting hygiene procedures. To do this, use an aqueous solution of vinegar, in proportions 1:10 (vinegar: water).

For children with atopic rashes, it is also useful to take herbal baths. They use a different complex of herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties: string, St. John's wort, oak bark, calendula, chamomile, celandine. The herbal set is first poured with cold water in a large saucepan, and then brought to a boil and left to infuse for several hours. This broth is filtered and poured into a baby bath, if necessary, diluted with boiled water.

After the bath, you should treat the affected areas and moisturize the body. A special lotion can be prepared from one tablespoon of Veronica herb and a glass of boiling water. The herb is pre-poured with boiling water, wrapped and insisted for about three hours. This lotion should be used to wash dry skin and affected areas.

Doctors consider atopic dermatitis to be a chronic disease, which, unfortunately, cannot be treated and complete remission cannot always be achieved. But there is such a possibility, especially if you follow the rules of skin care and choose the right menu.

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).