What is the atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes redness and itching. ANDIt's more common in children, but it can occur at any age. It is usually lasting or chronic, but it remits for some periods and then it is exacerbated.

It is believed that this disease currently affects approximately 20% of children worldwide. It is a little more frequent in the developed countries of the northern hemisphere, but it takes place all over the planet. Between 3 and 5% of children who have atopic dermatitis will continue to suffer until adulthood.

The incidence of this disease is increasing. This is due to the effects of environmental pollution and inadequate life habits, in which stress and poor sleep predominate. So far no cure has been found for this disease, but there are several investigations underway.

Description of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease that causes redness and itching in different areas of the skin. In addition, it is a frequent cause of excess dryness.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a disorder that It manifests as redness of the skin and itchy skin area. Atopic skin is characterized by its dryness. This leads to scaling and irritation, causing annoying symptoms such as itching. Sometimes it results in the appearance of small watery bumps.

According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, atopic dermatitis can be classified into three groups:

• Of the infant. It begins to manifest at five months of life and is located mainly in the face, with the exception of the mouth, nose and the area around the eyes. Sometimes it also appears on the scalp, ears and the back of the hands. Itching is constant.
• Childish. It is a type of atopic dermatitis that begins around 2 years and stays until 7, or until puberty. It occurs mainly on the elbows and knees, although it can appear anywhere on the body.
• Of the adult. This dermatitis occurs after puberty and it shows some plaques on the skin, usually with excoriations. It mainly affects the back of the hands, the flexion zone of the wrists, legs and feet.

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Causes

Science has not accurately established the causes of this disease. What is known is that There are several factors that can influence the triggering of the same or its worsening. These factors are:

• Genetics. So far it is believed that the main cause of atopic dermatitis is genetic predisposition. Children of parents who have had hay fever or some type of allergy develop the disease more frequently.
• Mother's age. It has been found that the older the mother is at the time of delivery, the more likely that the child will suffer from atopic dermatitis.
• Environment. The disease appears most frequently in polluted cities, in cold weather. It is also more frequent in places where tobacco is smoked or there is a lot of dust.

Likewise, it has been established that stress and insomnia are triggers of the disease. Sweat also seems to influence, as well as the use of woolen or nylon garments. Atopic dermatitis often appears in those who have food or other allergies.

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Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include skin lesions that have a crusty and reddish appearance. Its severity may vary in each patient.

The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is skin lesions. These have an exudative, crusty and red appearance. They are accompanied by a very intense and prolonged itching. Often, this leads to emotional disorders because of the insidiousness of itching.

In infants the lesions are vesicular and exudative. In children, the appearance of the lesions is dry, leathery and thick. In adults, the lesions are also leathery and are hyper or hypopigmented, that is, with little or too much color.

Those who suffer from this disease for a long time are at greater risk of developing cataracts between 20 and 30 years of age. Science does not know the reason. They are also more likely to develop herpetic eczema, if they get herpes simplex.

The diagnosis of the disease is usually made from simple observation. A skin scan and analysis of the medical history are usually sufficient. Sometimes some tests are done with patches, but laboratory tests are rarely required.

Are you experiencing symptoms of atopic dermatitis? If so, Then visit your trusted dermatologist as soon as possible. The professional will be in charge of giving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.