Atopic dermatitis occurs at all ages and causes many inconveniences in life. If the disease is not controlled, it will significantly affect health.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Dermatology - Dermatology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, atopic dermatitis is atopic eczema (or constitutional eczema). The disease is quite common, anyone can get it, especially children under 5 years old. Based on the characteristics of the disease, atopic dermatitis is classified into groups such as:
Allergic contact dermatitis : The immune system's reaction when the skin comes into contact with allergens such as metals, chemicals, cosmetics, insect bites... The disease subsides and disappears completely after 1-4 weeks.
Weather-related dermatitis : Related to changes in weather, especially at the change of seasons or in winter, when the air becomes cold and dry.
Infected contact dermatitis : Occurs when the blisters burst, allowing bacteria to enter the body, causing the skin to swell, itch, become red, and very painful. If not treated properly, the disease can recur many times, causing dangerous complications such as blood infection, skin necrosis, etc.
Atopic dermatitis: Often found in people with allergic genes or allergic constitution. The disease is difficult to control and prone to recurrence.
Dr. Kim Dung said that the cause of the disease originates from the complex interactions between environmental factors, the immune system and genetics. In particular, the immune system overreacts when the skin is exposed to external irritants, which is a common cause of atopic dermatitis. In addition, if parents have allergic diseases (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma), their children are also at higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis than normal children.
Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are itching, red rashes, and other symptoms such as rough, flaky skin, inflammation, and irritation... These symptoms flare up at different speeds in any area of the body, often on the arms, elbows, back of the knees, cheeks, or scalp.
Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are itching and a red rash. Photo : AllergyUK
In infants, the initial manifestation is often eczema or milk rash, appearing on the face, armpits, groin, and can spread to the skin of the whole body. The disease begins when the baby is 6-12 weeks old and gradually improves when the baby is 18 months old. In older children, the dermatitis changes through parts such as the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. In adults, atopic dermatitis is often concentrated on the hands or feet.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung noted that treating atopic dermatitis is to eliminate the cause of the allergy by screening for allergens. Depending on the mechanism of atopic dermatitis and the condition of the disease, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment methods such as medication, light therapy (using ultraviolet rays, phototherapy) or home care. Importantly, as soon as atopic dermatitis appears, the patient needs to quickly see a dermatologist - cosmetic dermatologist for early examination and treatment. If you take medication on your own or delay your visit, the treatment will be costly.
Although atopic dermatitis is not dangerous, it greatly affects the daily life and psychology of the patient, especially children. The disease may require lifelong treatment, but fortunately it can be controlled with many prescription and non-prescription medications. Therefore, patients need to protect and care for their skin to limit irritating factors, thereby minimizing the condition of atopic dermatitis.
Dung Le
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