Atopic eczema is a relatively well-known and common disease today. However, it still makes it difficult for people to distinguish this type of dermatitis from others, as a result of which they choose the wrong treatment. We have prepared some tips on how to recognize atopic eczema so that you can then reach for effective medications with complete confidence.
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What is atopic eczema?
Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by several symptoms. The disease usually appears in early childhood. It is often associated with allergic reactions or a genetic predisposition. You may also suffer from atopic eczema in adulthood.
Read what are the other types of eczema.
Causes of atopic eczema: Why does atopic eczema arise?
The exact cause of this disease is not entirely clear. But there are several factors that can play a large role in the development of atopic dermatitis.
- Heredity – One of the main factors contributing to atopic eczema is genetics. Parents can pass atopic eczema to their offspring, who can pass it on to their offspring.
- Immune System Disorders – Impaired immune system reacts more aggressively to common substances than in healthy individuals and can lead to inflammatory disease.
- Allergens – An unreasonable reaction can be triggered by an environment full of allergens in which you spend most of your time.
- Bacteria – An imbalance in the skin microbiome causes an excessive proliferation of harmful bacteria that cause skin inflammation. This should be taken into account when choosing body and decorative cosmetics.
- Diet – The condition of your skin corresponds to the way you eat. For people prone to atopic eczema, dairy, eggs, gluten, tomatoes, citrus fruits, exotic fruits and some nuts are not suitable.
- Clothing – As clothing comes into direct contact with the skin, the material can also cause atopic dermatitis to develop or worsen.
- Stress – The body weakens in stressful situations, opening the door to inflammation.
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Symptoms of atopic eczema: What does atopic eczema look like?
The main indicator in how to recognize atopic eczema are the symptoms of the disease, which include:
- Itching – Intense itching is one of the most typical symptoms of atopic eczema. Patients often mention that the continuous itching is sometimes unbearable.
- Redness of the skin – The affected area of the skin turns red, which is a sign of inflammation.
- Dry and flaky skin – Atopic eczema often causes the skin to dry out, causing scales to form.
- Rash – A rash may appear on reddened skin in the form of small blisters that may burst.
- Flaking areas – In untreated eczema, thickening of the skin can occur. The areas that have formed will gradually begin to peel off.
TIP: Allergic reaction on the face
Where does atopic eczema occur?
Atopic eczema can affect different parts of the body. You may have:
- Atopic eczema on the face – Eczema on the face appears most often in babies and toddlers in the form of red pimples.
- Atopic eczema on the hands – Older children and adults usually suffer from dry, scaly skin on their hands and elbows.
- Atopic eczema on the feet – Dry skin is really uncomfortable and when it appears on the feet it can severely restrict your movement.
- Atopic eczema on the back and neck – Dermatitis on the back and neck worsens rapidly. Not only do you have the area directly covered with clothes, but in addition, there is frequent rubbing.
- Atopic eczema on the genitals – Some atopics may experience eczema on the genitals. In this case, it is particularly important to contact a doctor.
How to recognize atopic eczema?
Finding out that you or someone in your family has atopic dermatitis is not easy. But we’ve got 4 tips to help you spot atopic eczema. Basically, this is a sort of summary of what you have read in the previous lines.
- Chronic symptoms – Atopic eczema is a chronic condition, which means that its symptoms occur repeatedly and can persist for a long time.
- Characteristic site of occurrence – Although atopic eczema can affect many different areas of the body, it is most common on the face, neck, arms and elbows, back and legs.
- Family history – When the above two points are combined with the fact that one of your parents is an atopic person, the likelihood that you have atopic eczema reaches a really high percentage.
- Reaction to allergens – If you regularly come into contact with allergens, i.e. if you move around in a flowery meadow, indulge in dairy products or sleep in allergenic bedding, your body may react to this in the form of atopic dermatitis.
TIP: How do I know if I have an allergy?
How to recognize atopic eczema in children?
As with yourself, you should go through all 4 steps and either rule out or confirm atopic eczema in your children. However, the place of occurrence will help you the most in how to recognize atopic eczema in children.
Around the 2nd to 6th month, infants may experience an itchy rash and blisters on their cheeks. It is not uncommon for dermatitis to subsequently affect the entire face, hands and feet, where the skin becomes more sweaty and stressed. As a result, the infant often wakes up and cries.
Children aged 3 to 9 years have eczema on the hands, including the elbow sockets, legs, below the knees, face and neck. The skin dries out as sebum is not produced in the area. Dry skin is accompanied by itching, which children cannot endure without scratching.
Treatment of atopic eczema: When to see a doctor?
You should see your doctor as soon as any of the symptoms appear, even if only in a small way. Caution is indeed in order. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the skin and then suggest adequate treatment. For the treatment of atopic eczema are used:
- Emoliencia – Emoliencia are moisturizing creams and ointments that help keep skin hydrated and reduce dryness.
- Corticosteroid creams – Corticosteroid creams are used to relieve inflammation and itching in the affected area.
- Immunomodulators – Patients with severe symptoms who do not respond to other forms of treatment may be prescribed immunomodulators. Their aim is to prevent an inappropriate immune system response.
- Antihistamines – Antihistamines are used to treat allergies. Because allergies can lead to the development of eczema, antihistamines also work to treat it. They fight the excessive amount of histamine that the body expels when it encounters an allergen.
What helps with atopic eczema?
How to recognize atopic eczema you already know. Now it is important to do a few things that help to alleviate the course of dermatitis and at the same time can prevent its formation.
Every atopic patient needs to keep their skin hydrated. Of course, there is no such thing as hydration. When you use the wrong ointment for atopic eczema, the symptoms do not go away, on the contrary, they get significantly worse. But where can I find creams for atopic eczema without a prescription?
The answer is brought to you by French brand Gallinée. The development of cosmetics specifically for atopics was preceded by thorough and rigorous clinical testing so that patients can use the products with complete confidence. Creams, make-up removers, foams or shampoos contain tindalised bacteria and probiotics that can help balance your skin’s disturbed microbiome.
You might be interested in: TOP 10: The best creams for atopic eczema
Choose also Clothesin which you spend all your leisure and work time. Bet on pieces from nanomaterial with antibacterial and thermoregulating properties. Don’t worry, the choice is really wide today, so you’re sure to find a t-shirt, dress or pants, to match your style.
Read more about nanomaterial clothing HERE.
Nanomaterial should also be part of your bed, where there is a large amount of mites. Thanks to anti-mite bedding to get rid of them. Plus, when you plug in a HEPA filtered air purifier you’ll get rid of other allergens and thus atopic eczema.
TIP: What helps with atopic eczema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is atopic eczema contagious?
No, atopic eczema is not contagious. It is a chronic skin disease that is not caused by infection.
When does atopic eczema disappear?
Atopic eczema may subside in school-age children or in adolescence. Some, however, struggle with it all their lives.
How to recognize atopic eczema in an infant?
The main aspect of how to recognize atopic eczema in an infant are the symptoms and the place of occurrence. Infants are faced with an itchy rash and blisters on the face. However, the eczema can subsequently spread to the whole face, hands and feet where the skin becomes stressed.
Can I exercise even if I have atopic eczema?
Yes, you can definitely exercise. Just put on clothes that are antibacterial and sweat-wicking.
How often should I use moisturizer?
Ideally, you should cream for atopic eczema twice a day – morning and evening. If your skin is still dry, you can apply the cream more often.
Can I treat atopic eczema without medical supervision?
If we suspect that atopic eczema is developing, we really recommend a visit to the doctor. A specialist will rule out another problem and suggest appropriate treatment. In addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you should pay attention to Clothing, that you wear and bedding, you sleep in. Once the eczema has subsided, use as a preventative measure cosmetics for atopics a air purifiers.