Atopic Dermatitis

Introduction
Atopic dermatitis, as we can make out from the name is a disease related to skin. Derma means skin and atrophic means hay fever and asthma .This is the most hazardous or severe kind of a skin disease also known as eczema. It is a chronic condition with itching and irritation of superficial layer of the skin. Almost 60 % of the symptoms are noticed in early childhood but can be followed in the adult age too. It is noncontiguous skin disorder. Atopic dermatitis when found in babies, is known as infantile eczema. There are usually three stages of this skin disorder; infant stage that is from birth to two years of age, then the childhood age from 2- 12 years of age, then the third and the last stage the adult stage from 13 years and above. The symptoms of each stage are different from the other and their treatment is also different. An estimate states that over 15 million people suffer from Atopic dermatitis each year.

Alternative Names
Atopic eczema is the alternative name for Atopic dermatitis

Causes
The cause of this skin disorder may be inheritance. If a child’s father had it, the child may also suffer from it. Usually the cause is external such as allergens, irritants, or other skin infections. Loss of large amount of moisture is also a cause of Atopic dermatitis. Environmental factors also take part in causing this skin disease. Exposure to dust, dirt and sunlight can be a cause. Sometimes the medication used for cure of the other disease can also be a contributing factor such as antidepressant, birth control tablets, anti biotics, anti septic, tranquilizers and sleeping pills all are included in allergens, where as the irritants can be soaps, tobacco, bleaches, paint and alcohol containing skin products. Bacterial and fungal or viral infections can also lead to Atopic dermatitis. Use of drugs and medicines that can suppress the immune system can also lead to Atopic dermatitis. This condition is due to loss of too much moisture from the epidermal layer of skin.

Risk Factors
Small babies are more prone to get this skin disorder. Patients of asthma can fall in this category. People who work in dust or sunlight very often are at a high risk of developing it.

Symptoms & Signs
The signs and symptoms are very prominent as it can be clearly seen on the superficial layer of skin. The sings and symptoms include the following:

Irritation and burning sensation in the affected area.
In children the signs are prominent on cheeks and scalp with intense itching.
The crusting lesions are seen on the face.
Itching is constant.
In elder children it is found more widely
The vesicles and papules are generally found on both sides of the body but it is not a must.
Redness and thickened skin is found all over the affected area of the body.
Synthetic fibers.
Cracks behind the ears.
Dry skin with scale coming off.
Usually the pain is increased at nights.
In some people the color of the skin may appear changed because of scratching.
Sometimes the bumps may also be noticed on the skin.

Diagnosis
There is no specific test to diagnose the disease as yet but complete clinical examination is made by the doctor by asking questions about the disorder and time duration of the symptoms. Family background of health can be of great help. The patient will have a physical examination with the doctor. The doctor may perform or recommend test that can tell about the IgE level, which is found to be raised in patients suffering from Atopic dermatitis.

Prevention
Don’t scratch and rub the skin as it can reveal the sore which can be the gate way of other dangerous infections such as herpes virus and small pox virus. Try to keep the skin moist as it can prevent from itching or at least it may help to decrease the level of pain. Don’t use too hot water for bathing, it can trigger itching sensation. Avoid wearing such clothes which can irritate the skin. Corticosteroids should be avoided. The flares must be taken notice promptly. Avoid using soaps and don’t allow the detergents and other chemicals to come into direct contact with the skin. Avoid working in dusty and sunny atmosphere for long periods of time.

Treatment
To treat Atopic dermatitis, first thing is to know the factor causing the skin disorder. If the cause is detected then there will be fewer complications to treat the disease. In the course of treatment oil and lubricants may be used to keep the skin moist. White petroleum or hydrogenated oil is also used to treat the affected skin. The treatment involves the whole team the patient, his family and the doctor, if all of them are devoted to cure the disease it can be treated and the patient will find relief soon.

Primary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Licorice root

Vitamins

Vitamin A with Beta-carotene

Quasi Vitamins

Flavonoids

Zinc

Secondary Natural Supplements
Herbs

Burdock

Dietary Guidelines

Avoid red meat and fried foods.
All sorts of alcohol should be avoided.
Eat more fresh, green and leafy vegetables.
Drink more juices of fresh fruits.
Drink a lot of water to provide your skin with moisture internally.

Home Care Suggestions

Wear clothes which are comfortable and absorbent.
Don’t use too hot water as it can take away all the moisture from the skin.
Keep some plants to maintain the moisture in your surroundings.
Don’t use soap and shampoos quite often.
For infants, use mild baby shampoo and massage their bodies with baby oil. It may help to get some relief.

Mind/Body Considerations
Keep your food balanced in nutritional components. Early morning walks are good for the heath of mind, and body. Try to get exposed to the sunlight for a short while, daily.


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