What you need to know about atopic dermatitis

What is atopic dermatitis?

In recent years, allergies in general have been increasing, and the same trend is also being seen in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by dryness, inflammation, and itching.
The exact cause is unclear, but overproduction of immune system cells that promote inflammation is thought to be one contributing factor.

According to a patient survey published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of patients with atopic dermatitis has increased over the past 30 years. The Japanese Dermatological Association 's guidelines provide reference data showing that the prevalence is 10.2% in people in their 20s, 8.3% in their 30s, 4.1% in their 40s, and 2.5% in their 50s and 60s.

It is a disease that often begins in childhood and is prone to recurrence. The severe itching can cause people to scratch their skin, which can lead to inflammation of the skin and worsen the symptoms.

And unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment available.

Difference between dermatitis and atopic dermatitis

"Dermatitis" is a word that describes a skin condition, and "atopy" refers to a disease caused by an allergic reaction .

As an atopic disease, atopic dermatitis is classified as follows:

• Food allergies
• Hay Fever
• asthma

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

The main symptoms of atopic dermatitis are dry and itchy skin.
The skin becomes inflamed and extremely itchy, and most sufferers constantly fight the urge to scratch, as scratching only leads to further inflammation.

Also, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary depending on age, as shown below.

Symptoms in infants

• Dry, itchy, flaky skin
• Rashes on the scalp or cheeks
• The rash oozes a clear fluid

Symptoms in infancy and childhood

• Rash behind the elbows and knees
• Scaly skin condition in the area of ​​the rash
• The skin becomes thick and extremely dry
• A rash on the neck, face, or around the eyes

Symptoms in adults

• Extremely dry and itchy skin
• Rash behind the elbows and knees
• A rash or itchiness on the back of the neck, face, or around the eyes
• Tends to have more scale than children

By the way, scales are white, scaly flakes of skin that form when the keratin becomes significantly thicker and many keratinocytes clump together.

Some people who develop atopic dermatitis as children may continue to have symptoms into adulthood, others may outgrow the condition by toddler age, and still others may not experience symptoms for many years before experiencing a relapse in adulthood.

Japan is not the only country where people suffer from atopic dermatitis. The number of patients is increasing worldwide, and it has been reported that 7.3% of adults in the United States suffer from atopic dermatitis.

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is still unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a malfunction of the immune system, which causes an overgrowth of inflammatory cells in the skin.

The skin's barrier function is weakened, making it more susceptible to dryness. It also loses moisture more easily, making it easier for irritants to penetrate the skin. This results in red, itchy rashes.

There are various triggers for atopic dermatitis rashes. However, the following lifestyle and environmental factors may also cause a rash.

• Long hot showers or baths
• Scratches
• sweat
• High temperatures and cold, dry weather
• Soaps, detergents, cleaners
• Wool and synthetic fibers
• Physical irritants (dirt, sand, smoke)
• Allergens (pollen, dander, dust, food)
• Intense exercise
• stress

Patients with atopic dermatitis are also more likely to have other conditions, such as allergies and asthma.

Can it be prevented?

It is not fully understood why atopic dermatitis develops, and there is currently no known way to prevent it from developing.

However, it is important to keep your skin moisturized. When choosing a moisturizer, try to avoid ingredients that may cause allergies or skin irritation .

In addition, it is important to know the causes that worsen the symptoms.

It is generally believed that symptoms can worsen due to stress and certain food allergies , including the following:

• Dairy products
• egg
• Peanuts
• seafood
• soy

Also, certain irritants that come into contact with the skin can make the condition worse. For example, the following can irritate the skin:

• wool
• Cigarette smoke
• Dust and sand
• Soaps, detergents, cleaners
• Synthetic

Although it is accompanied by very painful symptoms, the cause and prevention method are unknown. However, you can learn the causes of the condition and take measures to prevent it, such as moisturizing your skin.