Atopic skin: what is it?

Atopic dermatitis is a fairly common problem. This ailment is associated with allergic reactions. It is accompanied by a rash, reddening of the skin, the formation of cracks in it. Atopic skin is the result of a slow allergic process in the body. It is characterized by increased sensitivity and dryness, which under certain conditions flows into a full-fledged dermatitis. Naturally, people with this type of skin should know about the causes of the pathology and how to avoid complications.

Atopic skin: what is it?

To begin with it is necessary to understand with features of a pathology. In fact, such a diagnosis as "atopic skin" does not exist. In modern medicine, they speak of atopic dermatitis. It is an allergic disease that affects the skin of a person. It is associated with hypersensitivity of the immune system, as in the body of patients there is an increase in the level of specific immunoglobulin E.

According to statistics, 10-20% of the world population has a propensity for ailment. As a rule, the disease manifests itself in childhood, in the first years of a child's life. Most often with proper treatment, the ailment goes away as you grow older. But there are people who have to face this problem throughout their lives. Dryness, increased irritability and sensitivity to physical and chemical influences - all these signs are well known to those with atopic skin. A similar phenomenon is associated with slow allergic and inflammatory processes.

The main causes of the development of the disease

There is a reason why a man has atopic skin. What it is? In this case, the change in the state of the skin is associated with impaired functioning of the immune system. As already mentioned, in patients, as a rule, there is a certain genetic predisposition. Nevertheless, several risk factors can be identified that trigger the development of an allergic reaction:

• Contact the body with allergens. In this case, food allergens (in particular, milk, eggs, some fruits, cocoa and other substances that enter the body during meals), microorganisms (allergic reaction can be triggered by activation of staphylococci, fungal microorganisms), inhalant allergens can act as triggers (Animal hair, dust mites, plant pollen).
• Physical effects, in particular, too dry air, sudden and rapid changes in temperature.
• An allergic reaction can be associated with infectious diseases.
• Skin contact with certain chemicals, in particular cosmetic and detergents.
• The work of the immune system is closely related to the hormonal background. Therefore, the risk factors include strong stresses, which are accompanied by a sharp fluctuation in the level of hormones.

Atopic skin: what is it? Photos and main symptoms

The earlier the patient receives treatment, the less likely the development of complications. So what changes does the atopic skin have? Symptoms can be different. Redness appears on the body. The skin in the lesions becomes dry and very sensitive - often touches or movements cause a person pain. As the disease develops, the epidermis begins to peel strongly. Another symptom is the itching in the lesions, and because of scratching on the skin often there are scrapes, scratches and even cracks. Because of wounds on the skin, atopic dermatitis is often complicated by bacterial or fungal diseases.

Of course, such signs are observed only during exacerbations. In the rest of the time the atopic skin is just too dry and sensitive, while getting rid of the dryness with the usual moisturizing creams can not get rid of.

In addition, patients with similar characteristics suffer from cracking of the skin on the feet and increased sweating. Often one can observe the formation of dark circles under the eyes, scaly papules on the wings of the nose, as well as thinning and weakening of the hair.

Diagnostic measures

Atopic skin is a serious problem, but you should not try to make a diagnosis yourself. Leave it to dermatologists. As a rule, a visual examination by a specialist is sufficient to suspect a patient's dermatitis. Further tests are carried out, in particular, blood tests for the level of immunoglobulins and eosinophils (their amount is greatly increased with an allergic reaction).

There is another way to determine if the patient has atopic skin. What it is? Skin tests are an important diagnostic measure. During the procedure, groups of certain allergens are applied to the skin of the patient, after which the reaction of the organism to these substances is checked. Thus, the doctor has the opportunity to determine which factors the patient should be avoided. For example, some people are advised to exclude certain foods from the diet, while others are contraindicated to keep pets.

Treatment at the stage of exacerbation

What if you have atopic skin? How to treat ailment? In fact, drug therapy is needed only at the stage of exacerbation.

As a rule, for the beginning patients are prescribed antihistamines ("Tavegil" and others), which eliminate edema, dilate the subcutaneous capillaries, block the development of an allergic reaction. Antibacterial drugs are necessary in the event that there is a suspicion of a secondary infection. In order to restore the normal intestinal microflora and improve the functioning of the immune system, doctors prescribe probiotics. Steroid drugs have a more pronounced effect - they almost instantly stop allergic and inflammatory processes, but designate such drugs only in the most severe cases.

Local medications for treatment

Atopic skin is exactly the condition in which external medicines are needed. The complex of preparations is selected by the attending physician. The patient is prescribed ointments that can eliminate inflammation in the treated areas (Radevit). Since dermatitis is often associated with an inadequate response of the nominal system, ointment immunosuppressors can be used that slightly inhibit the activity of immunoglobulins, allowing skin tissues to recover (Epidel, Timogen).

It is necessary to use drugs that accelerate the growth of the epithelium on the affected areas. In some cases, glucocorticosteroid ointments are additionally used.

Proper cleansing and moisturizing atopic skin

Humidification and cleansing is what atopic skin requires. Treatment with medicines certainly helps to eliminate the symptoms of exacerbation, but the patient's skin remains sensitive and dry.

Water procedures, of course, are important. The skin needs to be cleaned daily, observing certain rules. Dry skin does not like high temperatures, so patients are advised to take a quick shower or a warm bath with the addition of medicinal decoctions.

Chlorine further dehydrates the skin and can provoke an allergy, so it is recommended to use only purified water. Do not rub the skin with a washcloth or towel.

The habitual cosmetics hardly will approach owners of atopic skin, therefore it is necessary to consult at the cosmetician who will help to pick up special agents. By the way, often patients are recommended to use special creams and emulsions, which contain lipids - they create a special protective film on the skin, while retaining moisture in the tissues.

Some useful tips

Atopic skin of the face needs proper care, since otherwise the likelihood of complications is high. There are several rules that are recommended to adhere to experienced dermatologists and cosmetologists:

• It is very important to avoid exposing the skin to dry air. In the best case, humidity should always be maintained at around 60% (a portable air humidifier or a conventional nebulizer can be easily purchased in the store).
• People with skin prone to irritation are advised to wear clothes made from natural fabrics (linen, silk, cotton) without gross seams.
• The human diet should be rich in vitamins B ₆ , D and C. Also it is worth to increase the amount of products containing zinc and selenium. Twice a year, patients are recommended to take vitamin complexes for general health improvement.
• It is worth to abandon the potentially dangerous products that can cause allergies (citrus fruits, milk, eggs, chocolate, coffee).
• Pay attention to the powder used - clothes and bed linens must be washed with special hypoallergenic agents.

Folk recipes

Many people face the medical conclusion "atopic skin of the face". What is it and what are the reasons for this phenomenon - we have already figured out. Certainly, medications and well-chosen cosmetics will help to eliminate excessive dryness and prevent the development of full-fledged dermatitis. But there are some traditional medicine that are widely used to care for skin problems:

• To better moisturize and soften hardened areas, experts recommend using avocado oil or shea, as these products contain a large amount of phytosterols.
• You can prepare a compress for the skin, filling the water with young pear leaves.
• Patients are also advised to take warm baths with the addition of herbal decoctions. In particular, decoctions from the bark of oak, string or oats will be useful on the condition of the dermis.
• Since often the exacerbation of the disease is associated with stress, patients are advised to take a peony tincture or valerian tablets.

Atopic skin is a problem that many people have to live with. Proper care and timely treatment will help cope with the disease and prevent the development of complications.