treatment for atopic dermatitis and symptoms
Atopic dermatitis (Eczema): One of the most common skin disorders that causes skin also known as eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that renders the skin itchy, dry, and becomes thickened. Eczema is a general term that describes several different conditions in which the skin is inflamed, red, scaly, and itchy. However, Atopic dermatitis is just one form of the several types of eczema. Eczema can affect both adults and children.
Skin areas affected with atopic dermatitis
Eczema will often outbreak on the hand, elbows, and “skin folds” areas like under arms, breast, lower abdomen, and back of the knee in adults. In young children, eczema can affect the face, behind the knees, back of the neck, inside elbows, and scalp. Ezcema will normally occur where the skin flexes.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis may look different depending on the type of skin color, location of the infection, and person to person. Symptoms may also vary due to their severity. Common symptom to look out for is thickened, itchy, and dry skin. On brown and dark skin, eczema may cause small bumps around hair follicles that appear to be goosebumps. The condition may become severe and flare up periodically.
Possible symptoms include the following;
⦁ skin redness
⦁ dry, scaly, or crusted skin
⦁ formation of small, fluid-filled blisters
⦁ itchiness
⦁ soreness and scratchiness.
⦁ thicken skin
What are the causes of atopic dermatitis
The causes of eczema are not yet known, meanwhile, the infection is said to have affected people with a family history of allergies. Study shows that people with eczema may also have Hay fever and asthma or may have a family history of those conditions.
Certain things can trigger a flare-up but they are not the cause of it. Below are some activities and lifestyles that can cause the condition to worsen
⦁ Skin irritants include skin care products, fabrics, and chemicals.
⦁ stress
⦁ allergens
⦁ poor skin and personal hygiene
⦁ climate or environment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often performed by doctors or health providers who will check your skin or ask about symptoms. Scaly and crusted areas will be studied under the microscope to detect the infection or other skin infections. The sample may be collected from the affected area by scraping the skin and sent to the lab for testing. Skin test results normally come within the day.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat eczema. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the best treatment for quick recovery. Treatment is done base on the location of the infection and its severity. The following are the treatment methods.
⦁ Phototherapy
⦁ Dupilumab shots
⦁ Topical immunomodulator
⦁ Moisturizers
⦁ Crisaborole(Eucrisa) for kids
⦁ Antibiotics
⦁ Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a method of skin disorders treatment that uses ultraviolet light waves which are usually found in sunlight. It is used for patients with severe condition of the infection.
Study shows that the ultraviolet found in natural sunlight has been proved to help treat certain skin infections and disorders. Phototherapy uses either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) for the treatment. They use special lamps called Bubolight.
This form of treatment can result in some consequences as it is risky and doctors normally suggest it for people with severe cases and complications of the infection. Below are the effects or risks linked to phototherapy;
Risk and/or effects of using phototherapy treatment include;
i. skin burn
ii. dry skin
iii. premature aging skin
iv. itchy skin
v. freckling skin
vi. change in skin color/pigmentation
⦁ Dupilumab shots
Dupilumb(Dupixent) is another type of skin dermatitis treatment for patients with moderate to severe conditions. It works effectively by clearing the itch quickly. It comes in the form of inject able monoclonal antibodies. Your doctor may prescribe plumb treatment for quick recovery. Cortisone pills and shots may be effective for severe conditions.
⦁ Topical immunomodulators (TIMs)
This is another form of treatment for mild/severe and moderate conditions. Topical immunomodulators work by changing the body’s immune response to allergens. This form of treatment helps prevent flare-ups of skin infections.
⦁ Moisturizers
moisturizers including lotions, ointments, and creams that are fragrance-free can be applied to the affected areas to help control and ease itching, swelling, and redness or soreness. This form of treatment usually works when the infection appears for face time and it’s usually not severe. Over-the-counter creams and ointments containing the steroid hydrocortisone and antihistamine may help soothe symptoms.
Crisaborole(Eucrisa) for kids
This form of treatment is used to treat mild and severe eczema in children two years and above. It is an ointment that is applied to the affected skin
⦁ Antibiotics
Antibiotics treatment is another effective option. They can treat and restore infected skin. Your doctor will prescribe the best antibiotics for your treatment.
Prevention
Research and studies show there are no preventive ways against eczema, but certain activities and lifestyles may help improve symptoms. At-home remedies can lessen symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups. These include;
⦁ avoid harsh soaps and other irritants
⦁ moisturize skin regularly
⦁ apply prescription anti-itch and other antihistamines.
⦁ avoid stress
⦁ avoid circumstances or situations that cause sweating and overheating
⦁ avoid chemicals with potential or warning of causing irritations
⦁ take warm bath
Skin infection rashes can be a cause of serious health conditions or a reaction to allergies and other irritants. Look out for the following symptoms and seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms below;
Severe symptoms
⦁ swellings of the face(eyes, neck, mouth, or lips)
⦁ difficulty breathing
⦁ chronic itching, soreness, and discomfort
⦁ severe bleeding when scratched
⦁ difficulty swallowing
⦁ blurred vision or painful itchy and watery eyes
⦁ high fever or body temperature
⦁ loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss
⦁ persistence or chronic irritations
DISCLAIMER
Information provided here is for educational purposes only and must not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. 9jacompassnews does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.