What is atopic dermatitis and eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease, often associated with other skin conditions. Quite frequent and having an impact on people’s well-being, we explain the symptoms you should be aware of, the causes, and how to treat them.

Currently, it is estimated that about 20% of children suffer from AD, a condition that is becoming more and more prevalent in society. Atopy is the second most common condition affecting the quality of life worldwide.

What is Atopic Dermatitis (AD)?

As mentioned above, it is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Benign is a relapsing condition in which the cycle has outbreaks/remissions. In the flare-up phase, this eczema (inflammation) triggers itching and, consequently, scaling and peeling of the skin.

But how is it originated? In this circumstance, the skin does not produce enough surface lipids (the skin’s natural moisturizers) and is therefore mainly and naturally dry. As a result, some allergens and irritants (such as aggressive detergents or house dust mites) can penetrate the skin, which then causes itching and inflammation.

The symptoms

If you don’t know what eczema or atopic dermatitis looks like, here’s a short description.

They are red plaques of rough scaling which, in the specific case of babies, can be found on the chest, arms, hands, and legs. In children, you should pay close attention to the arms and legs, the inside area of the elbow, and behind the knee. In addition, the face and wrists are also affected areas. Finally, in adults, AD is mainly found on the hands and face, especially on the eyelids.

Likewise, itching and very dry and irritated skin are key features. And so, not only is it a very disturbing disease, but it can also motivate distractions, sleep alterations, and even impact self-esteem.

The causes

The origin of Atopic Dermatitis can be twofold: genetic predisposition and/or external environmental factors. Such as certain allergens and irritants.

In other words, the skin barrier may be naturally weakened. Meaning, that altered, since it has a deficit of lipids and proteins, it becomes more permeable to external aggressors.

Statistically speaking, if at least one parent is atopic, the child has a 30%-70% increased risk of developing atopy.

How to control atopic dermatitis

The main way to treat AD is through the use of locally applied creams. The epidermis as well as a preventive treatment from birth (in case of genetic background) are the key to, from an early age, preserving/reinforcing the skin barrier.

Therefore, choose specific products for this condition. It is essential that they do not contain perfume or other allergens in their composition, bath oils in the shower are a good option.

The application of a rich emollient twice a day to restore the microbiome, as well as soothing thermal water to help eliminate the discomfort associated with itching throughout the day, are ESSENTIAL.

What you should avoid:

• → Clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers;
• → Stress or excessive sweating situations;
• → Too long and hot baths;
• → Exposure to pollen;
• → Abrupt temperature differences and
• → Contact with detergent. Clothes should be washed with neutral detergents, avoiding the use of fabric softeners.

  The best products to treat atopic dermatitis and eczema

  Lipikar is Europe’s number 1 hygiene and body care range developed by La Roche Posay to restore comfort and peaceful nights to sensitive, very dry, and atopic skin prone to eczema. It is therefore recommended by dermatologists around the world to improve skin quality.

  It is composed mainly of Shea butter (a key ingredient in all Lipikar formulas), niacinamide, and Aqua posae filiformis. Together these active ingredients restore the skin’s hydrolipidic film, soothe while relieving itching sensations and also increase the spacing between flares of eczema/atopic dermatitis.

  For a daily routine to relieve the symptoms of this condition we recommend that you start by applying  La Roche posay lipikar syndet ap[+] shower cream for atopic skin. Soon after apply the medical device  lipikar eczema med on the affected areas of the face, eyelids, and hands. Perform a gentle massage and let the cream work for approximately 5 minutes before completing your skincare routine.

  To soothe the skin of the body, the lipikar baume ap+m lipo-replenishing balm for atopic prone skin is ideal since it not only restores the skin’s protective barrier but also enables you to increase the gap between crises. Application is often easier on slightly damp skin, so warm the cream in your hands and spread it by making wide, gentle movements.

  Important observations:

  • • Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema, although in most cases it appears in the first 6 months of life, tends to improve throughout life. It even disappears in the teenage years.
  • • Besides, it is extremely important to mention that it is not contagious.

    If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact one of our skin specialists who will be happy to help you.

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