Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease affecting the skin. It is characterized by periodic remissions and exacerbations. The main symptoms are increased dryness of the skin, fragility, itching and hyperemia.
reasons
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease. The main causes of its development are disorders of the immune system, genetic predisposition, allergization at an early age. Chronic diseases – bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, pollinosis, dermatitis – in parents increase the chance of developing allergic dermatitis in a child many times. Unfavorable ecology, harmful working and recreation conditions aggravate the manifestations of dermatitis.
The disease occurs in childhood and lasts a lifetime. With a favorable course in adult life, the patient is concerned about rare exacerbations, usually associated with isolated contacts with an allergen. In other cases, with an unfavorable course, relapses are prolonged, they are quite difficult and interfere with a person in a physical and psychological sense. Nervous experiences, emotional instability can provoke a relapse.
Experts note that maternal health problems during pregnancy can also be the cause of the development of neurodermatitis in a child – toxicosis, the inability to breastfeed after the birth of the baby, artificial mixtures, violation of the mother’s diet.
symptoms
Already in the first six months of a child’s life, primary signs of the development of atopic dermatitis can be detected. This can be triggered by many factors – the introduction of complementary foods, the beginning of social life (going to kindergarten), and many others.
During dermatitis, there are several stages – acute, which is characterized by hyperemia of the skin, erythema, rashes. The affected skin flakes off, the exposed elements of the rash form erosions and wetness. The constant formation of new elements does not allow the skin to be protected, secondary infections often join and pustular elements form. All symptoms are accompanied by severe itching.
The acute stage is replaced by a chronic one. During this period, the inflammatory processes subside, the skin thickens, symptoms of lichenification appear. The healed areas of the skin are pigmented, thickened.
Almost all parts of the body are affected, but the face, back, chest, flexor surface of the limbs, buttocks and inguinal folds are most often affected.
By the age of 15-18, in most children, the disease goes into long-term remission, and in about 30% it goes into the adult stage.
treatment
When forming therapy for atopic dermatitis, many factors are taken into account – age, the severity of symptoms, the presence of chronic diseases (asthma, etc.). The main therapy is aimed at reducing the manifestations of symptoms and improving the quality of life of the patient. Antihistamines are prescribed against itching, hyperemia and erythema are eliminated by anti-inflammatory diseases. The cause of exacerbations is definitely found out and a hypoallergenic diet is prescribed. Measures are being taken to detoxify the body, with the addition of a secondary infection, etiotropic treatment is carried out. During the period of remission, physiotherapy procedures give a good effect. In severe clinical cases, it is advisable to use glucocorticosteroids.
