Atopic dermatitis in adults. Atopic dermatitis, how to treat and is it possible to cure chronic atopic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis drug treatment

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The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a genetically determined, chronic skin disease. Typical clinical manifestations of this pathology are eczematous rash, pruritus and dry skin.
At the moment, the problem of atopic dermatitis has taken on a global character, because the increase in the incidence in recent decades has increased several times. So, in children up to a year, atopic dermatitis is recorded in 5 percent of cases. In the adult population, this figure is slightly lower and varies from 1 to 2 percent.

For the first time, the term "atopy" (which means from Greek - unusual, alien) was proposed by the scientist Koka. By atopy, he understood a group of hereditary forms of increased sensitivity of the organism to various environmental influences.
Today, the term "atopy" refers to a hereditary form of allergy, which is characterized by the presence of IgE antibodies. The reasons for the development of this phenomenon are not completely clear. Synonyms for atopic dermatitis are constitutional eczema, constitutional neurodermatitis, and Besnier's prurigo (or pruritus).

Statistics on atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases among children. Among girls, this allergic disease occurs 2 times more often than among boys. Various studies in this area confirm the fact that residents of large cities are most susceptible to atopic dermatitis.

Among the factors that accompany the development of childhood atopic dermatitis, the most significant is heredity. So, if one of the parents suffers from this skin disease, the likelihood that the child will have a similar diagnosis is up to 50 percent. If both parents have a history of the disease, the chances of a child being born with atopic dermatitis increase to 75 percent. Statistics show that in 90 percent of cases this disease manifests itself between the ages of 1 and 5 years. Very often, in about 60 percent of cases, the disease makes its debut even before the child reaches the age of one. The first manifestations of atopic dermatitis at a more mature age are much less common.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the diseases that have become widespread in recent decades. So, in the United States of America, at the moment, in comparison with the data of twenty years ago, the number of patients with atopic dermatitis has doubled. Official figures show that today 40 percent of the world's population is struggling with this disease.

Causes of atopic dermatitis

The causes of atopic dermatitis, like many immune diseases, remain unexplored today. There are several theories regarding the origin of atopic dermatitis. To date, the most convincing is the theory of allergic genesis, the theory of impaired cellular immunity and the hereditary theory. In addition to the immediate causes of atopic dermatitis, there are also risk factors for this disease.

Theories for the development of atopic dermatitis are:
  • the theory of allergic genesis;
  • genetic theory of atopic dermatitis;
  • theory of impaired cellular immunity.

Theory of allergic genesis

This theory links the development of atopic dermatitis with congenital sensitization of the body. Sensitization is the increased sensitivity of the body to certain allergens. This phenomenon is accompanied by increased secretion of class E immunoglobulins (IgE). Most often, the body develops hypersensitivity to food allergens, that is, to food products. Food sensitization is most common in infants and younger preschool children. Adults tend to develop sensitization to household allergens, pollen, viruses, and bacteria. The result of such sensitization is an increased concentration of IgE antibodies in the serum and the launch of the body's immune responses. Antibodies of other classes also take part in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, but it is IgE that provokes autoimmune phenomena.

The amount of immunoglobulins correlates (correlates) with the severity of the disease. So, the higher the concentration of antibodies, the more pronounced the clinical picture of atopic dermatitis. Mast cells, eosinophils, leukotrienes (representatives of cellular immunity) also take part in the violation of immune mechanisms.

If in children the leading mechanism in the development of atopic dermatitis is food allergy, then in adults, pollen allergens are of great importance. Pollen allergy among the adult population occurs in 65 percent of cases. In second place are household allergens (30 percent), in third place are epidermal and fungal allergens.

The frequency of different types of allergens in atopic dermatitis

Genetic theory of atopic dermatitis

Scientists have reliably established the fact that atopic dermatitis is a hereditary disease. However, so far it has not been possible to establish the type of inheritance of dermatitis and the level of genetic predisposition. The latter indicator varies in different families from 14 to 70 percent. If both parents in the family suffer from atopic dermatitis, then the risk for the child is more than 65 percent. If this disease is present in only one parent, then the risk for the child is halved.

The theory of impaired cellular immunity

Immunity is represented by humoral and cellular link. Cellular immunity refers to a type of immune response, in the development of which neither antibodies nor the compliment system take part. Instead, immune function is carried out by macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and other immune cells. This system is particularly effective against virus-infected cells, tumor cells and intracellular bacteria. Violations at the level of cellular immunity underlie diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Skin lesions, according to experts, are caused by autoimmune aggression.

Risk factors for atopic dermatitis

These factors significantly increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. They also affect the severity and duration of the disease. Often, the presence of one or another risk factor is the mechanism that delays the remission of atopic dermatitis. For example, the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract in a child can hold back recovery for a long time. A similar situation is observed in adults during stress. Stress is a powerful psychotraumatic factor that not only prevents recovery, but also aggravates the course of the disease.

Risk factors for atopic dermatitis are:

  • pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • stress;
  • unfavorable ecological environment.
Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
It is known that the human intestinal system performs a protective function of the body. This function is realized thanks to the abundant lymphatic system of the intestine, the intestinal flora and the immunocompetent cells that it contains. A healthy gastrointestinal system ensures that pathogenic bacteria are neutralized and eliminated from the body. In the lymphatic vessels of the intestine there are also a large number of immune cells that, at the right time, resist infections. Thus, the intestine is a kind of link in the chain of immunity. Therefore, when there are various pathologies at the level of the intestinal tract, this primarily affects the human immune system. Proof of this is the fact that more than 90 percent of children with atopic dermatitis have various functional and organic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal diseases that most often accompany atopic dermatitis include:

  • biliary dyskinesia.
These and numerous other pathologies reduce the intestinal barrier function and trigger the development of atopic dermatitis.

Artificial feeding
Premature transition to artificial formulas and early introduction of complementary foods are also risk factors for atopic dermatitis. It is generally accepted that natural breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing atopic dermatitis several times. The reason for this is that breast milk contains maternal immunoglobulins. In the future, together with milk, they enter the body of the child and provide him with the formation of immunity for the first time. The child's body begins to synthesize its own immunoglobulins much later. Therefore, at the first stages of life, immunity to the child is provided by the immunoglobulins of mother's milk. Premature refusal of breastfeeding weakens the immune system of the baby. The consequence of this are numerous anomalies in the immune system, which increases the risk of developing atopic dermatitis several times.

Stress
Psychoemotional factors can provoke an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. The influence of these factors reflects the neuro-allergic theory of the development of atopic dermatitis. Today it is generally accepted that atopic dermatitis is not so much a skin disease as a psychosomatic one. This means that the nervous system plays a critical role in the development of this disease. This is confirmed by the fact that antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs are successfully used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Unfavorable ecological environment
This risk factor has become increasingly important in recent decades. This is explained by the fact that emissions from industrial enterprises create an increased burden on human immunity. An unfavorable environment not only provokes exacerbations of atopic dermatitis, but can also be involved in its initial development.

Risk factors are also living conditions, namely the temperature and humidity of the room in which a person lives. So, temperatures over 23 degrees and humidity less than 60 percent adversely affect the condition of the skin. Such living conditions reduce the resistance (resistance) of the skin and trigger immune mechanisms. The situation is aggravated by the irrational use of synthetic detergents, which can enter the human body through the respiratory tract. Soap, shower gel and other hygiene products act as irritants and contribute to itching.

Stages of atopic dermatitis

In the development of atopic dermatitis, it is customary to distinguish several stages. These stages or phases are characteristic of certain age intervals. Each phase also has its own symptoms.

The phases of development of atopic dermatitis are:

  • infant phase;
  • baby phase;
  • adult phase.

Since the skin is an organ of the immune system, these phases are considered as features of the immune response in different age periods.

Infant phase of atopic dermatitis

This phase develops at the age of 3-5 months, rarely at 2 months. Such an early development of the disease is explained by the fact that starting from 2 months, the lymphoid tissue begins to function in a child. Since this body tissue is a representative of immunity, its functioning is associated with the onset of atopic dermatitis.

The skin lesion in the infantile phase of atopic dermatitis is different from other phases. So, in this period, the development of weeping eczema is characteristic. Red weeping plaques appear on the skin, which quickly become covered with crusts. In parallel with them, papules, vesicles and urticaria elements appear. Initially, rashes are localized in the skin of the cheeks and forehead, without affecting the nasolabial triangle. Further, skin changes affect the surface of the shoulders, forearms, extensor surfaces of the lower leg. The skin of the buttocks and thighs is often affected. The danger in this phase is that an infection can join very quickly. Atopic dermatitis in the infantile phase is characterized by periodic exacerbations. Remissions are usually short-lived. The disease is exacerbated by teething, with the slightest bowel disorder or a cold. Spontaneous healing is rare. As a rule, the disease passes into the next phase.

Childhood phase of atopic dermatitis
The children's phase is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process of the skin. This stage is characterized by the development of follicular papules and lichenoid lesions. Rashes often affect the area of ​​​​the elbow and popliteal folds. The rash also affects the flexor surfaces of the carpal joints. In addition to the rashes typical of atopic dermatitis, so-called dyschromias also develop in this phase. They appear as scaly brown lesions.

The course of atopic dermatitis in this phase is also undulating with periodic exacerbations. Exacerbations occur in response to various provoking environmental factors. The relationship with food allergens during this period decreases, but there is an increased sensitization (sensitivity) to pollen allergens.

Adult phase of atopic dermatitis
The adult phase of atopic dermatitis coincides with puberty. This stage is characterized by the absence of weeping (eczematous) elements and the predominance of lichenoid foci. The eczematous component joins only during periods of exacerbation. The skin becomes dry, infiltrated rashes appear. The difference of this period is the change in the localization of the rashes. So, if in the childhood period the rash prevails in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe folds and rarely affects the face, then in the adult phase of atopic dermatitis it migrates to the skin of the face and neck. On the face, the nasolabial triangle becomes the affected area, which is also not typical for the previous stages. Also, rashes can cover the hands, upper body. In this period, the seasonality of the disease is also minimally expressed. In general, atopic dermatitis is exacerbated by exposure to various irritants.

Atopic dermatitis in children

Atopic dermatitis is a disease that begins in infancy. The first symptoms of the disease appear by 2-3 months. It is important to know that atopic dermatitis does not develop before 2 months. Almost all children with atopic dermatitis have polyvalent allergies. The term "polyvalent" means that the allergy develops to several allergens at the same time. The most common allergens are food, dust, household allergens.

The first symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children are diaper rash. Initially, they appear under the armpits, gluteal folds, behind the ears and in other places. At the initial stage, diaper rash looks like reddened, slightly swollen areas of the skin. However, very quickly they go into the stage of weeping wounds. The wounds do not heal for a very long time and are often covered with wet crusts. Soon, the skin on the baby's cheeks also becomes diaper rash and reddened. The skin of the cheeks very quickly begins to peel off, as a result of which it becomes rough. Another important diagnostic symptom is milk crusts that form on the eyebrows and scalp of the child. Starting at the age of 2 - 3 months, these signs reach their maximum development by 6 months. In the first year of life, atopic dermatitis goes away with little or no remission. Rarely, atopic dermatitis begins at one year of age. In this case, it reaches its maximum development by 3-4 years.

Atopic dermatitis in the baby

In children of the first year of life, that is, in infants, two types of atopic dermatitis are distinguished - seborrheic and nummular. The most common type of seborrheic atopic dermatitis, which begins to appear as early as 8-9 weeks of age. It is characterized by the formation of small, yellowish scales in the area of ​​the scalp. At the same time, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe folds, the baby reveals weeping and difficult to heal wounds. Seborrheic type of atopic dermatitis is also called skinfold dermatitis. When an infection is attached, a complication such as erythroderma develops. In this case, the skin of the face, chest and limbs of the baby becomes bright red. Erythroderma is accompanied by severe itching, as a result of which the baby becomes restless and constantly cries. Soon, hyperemia (reddening of the skin) becomes generalized. The entire skin of the child becomes burgundy and covered with large-lamellar scales.

The nummular type of atopic dermatitis is less common and develops at the age of 4-6 months. It is characterized by the presence on the skin of spotted elements covered with crusts. These elements are localized mainly on the cheeks, buttocks, limbs. Like the first type of atopic dermatitis, this form also often transforms into erythroderma.

Development of atopic dermatitis in children

More than 50 percent of children suffering from atopic dermatitis in the first year of life, it goes away by 2-3 years of age. In other children, atopic dermatitis changes its character. First of all, the localization of the rash changes. There is a migration of atopic dermatitis into the skin folds. In some cases, dermatitis can take the form of palmoplantar dermatosis. As the name suggests, in this case, atopic dermatitis affects only the palmar and plantar surfaces. At the age of 6 years, atopic dermatitis can take on localization in the buttocks and inner thighs. This localization can persist until adolescence.

Atopic dermatitis in adults

As a rule, after puberty, atopic dermatitis can take an abortive form, that is, disappear. As you grow older, exacerbations are less common, and remissions can be delayed for several years. However, a strong psycho-traumatic factor can again provoke an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Severe somatic (bodily) diseases, stress at work, family troubles can act as such a factor. However, according to most authors, atopic dermatitis in people older than 30–40 years is a very rare phenomenon.

The frequency of occurrence of atopic dermatitis in different age groups

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis

The clinical picture of atopic dermatitis is very diverse. Symptoms depend on age, gender, environmental conditions and, importantly, on comorbidities. Exacerbations of atopic dermatitis coincide with certain age periods.

Age periods of exacerbation of atopic dermatitis include:

  • infancy and early childhood (up to 3 years)- this is the period of maximum exacerbations;
  • age 7 – 8 years- associated with the start of school;
  • age 12 – 14 years- puberty, exacerbation due to numerous metabolic changes in the body;
  • 30 years- most often in women.
Also, exacerbations are often timed to seasonal changes (spring - autumn), the moment of pregnancy, stress. Almost all authors note the period of remission (subsidence of the disease) in the summer months. Exacerbations in the spring-summer period occur only in cases where atopic dermatitis develops against the background of hay fever or respiratory atopy.

The characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:

  • rash;
  • dryness and peeling.

Itching in atopic dermatitis

Itching is an essential symptom of atopic dermatitis. Moreover, it can persist even when there are no other visible signs of dermatitis. The causes of itching are not fully understood. It is believed that it develops due to too dry skin. However, this does not fully explain the causes of such intense itching.

The characteristics of itching in atopic dermatitis are:

  • persistence - itching is present even when there are no other symptoms;
  • intensity - itching is very pronounced and persistent;
  • persistence - itching reacts poorly to medication;
  • increased itching in the evening and at night;
  • accompanied by scratches.
Persistent (constantly present) for a long time, itching causes severe suffering to patients. Over time, it becomes the cause of insomnia and psycho-emotional discomfort. It also worsens the general condition and leads to the development of asthenic syndrome.

Dryness and flaking of the skin in atopic dermatitis

Due to the destruction of the natural lipid (fatty) membrane of the epidermis, the skin of a patient suffering from dermatitis begins to lose moisture. The consequence of this is a decrease in skin elasticity, its dryness and peeling. The development of lichenification zones is also characteristic. Lichenification zones are areas of dry and sharply thickened skin. In these areas, the process of hyperkeratosis, that is, excessive keratinization of the skin, takes place.
Lichenoid foci are often formed in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bfolds - popliteal, elbow.

What does the skin look like with atopic dermatitis?

How the skin looks with atopic dermatitis depends on the form of the disease. At the initial stages of the disease, the erythematous form with lichenification is most common. Lichenification is the process of thickening of the skin, which is characterized by an increase in its pattern and increased pigmentation. In the erythematous form of atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes dry and thickened. It is covered with numerous crusts and small-lamellar scales. In large numbers, these scales are located on the elbows, lateral surfaces of the neck, and popliteal fossae. In the infant and child phase, the skin looks edematous, hyperemic (reddened). With a purely lichenoid form, the skin is even more dry, puffy and has a pronounced skin pattern. The rash is represented by shiny papules that merge in the center and only a small amount remain on the periphery. These papules very quickly become covered with small scales. Due to the excruciating itching, scratches, abrasions, and erosion often remain on the skin. Separately, foci of lichenification (thickened skin) are localized on the upper chest, back, and neck.

In the eczematous form of atopic dermatitis, the rashes are limited. They are represented by small vesicles, papules, crusts, cracks, which, in turn, are located on scaly skin areas. Such limited areas are located on the hands, in the region of the popliteal and elbow folds. In the prurigo-like form of atopic dermatitis, the rash mostly affects the skin of the face. In addition to the above forms of atopic dermatitis, there are also atypical forms. These include "invisible" atopic dermatitis and the urticarial form of atopic dermatitis. In the first case, the only symptom of the disease is intense itching. There are only traces of scratching on the skin, and no visible rashes are detected.

Both during the exacerbation of the disease and during the period of remission, the skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis is characterized by dryness and flaking. In 2 to 5 percent of cases, ichthyosis is noted, which is characterized by the presence of numerous small scales. In 10 - 20 percent of cases, patients have increased folding (hyperlinearity) of the palms. The skin of the trunk is covered with whitish, shiny papules. On the lateral surfaces of the shoulders, these papules are covered with horny scales. With age, there is increased pigmentation of the skin. Age spots, as a rule, are non-uniform in color and are distinguished by their different colors. Net pigmentation together with increased folding can be localized on the front surface of the neck. This phenomenon gives the neck a dirty appearance (a symptom of "dirty neck").

Whitish spots often appear on the face in the cheek area in patients with atopic dermatitis. In the stage of remission, a sign of the disease may be cheilitis, chronic seizures, cracks on the lips. An indirect sign of atopic dermatitis may be an earthy skin tone, pallor of the skin of the face, periorbital darkening (dark circles around the eyes).

Atopic dermatitis on the face

Manifestations of atopic dermatitis on the skin of the face are not always found. Skin changes affect the skin of the face in the eczematous form of atopic dermatitis. In this case, erythroderma develops, which in young children affects mainly the cheeks, and in adults also the nasolabial triangle. Young children develop the so-called "bloom" on the cheeks. The skin becomes bright red, edematous, often with numerous cracks. Cracks and weeping wounds quickly become covered with yellowish crusts. The area of ​​the nasolabial triangle in children remains intact.

In adults, changes on the skin of the face are of a different nature. The skin acquires an earthy hue, becomes pale. Spots appear on the cheeks of patients. In the stage of remission, a sign of the disease may be cheilitis (inflammation of the red border of the lips).

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on the patient's complaints, objective examination data and laboratory data. At the appointment, the doctor should carefully ask the patient about the onset of the disease and, if possible, about the family history. Of great diagnostic significance are data on diseases of a brother or sister.

Medical examination for atopic

The doctor begins the examination with the patient's skin. It is important to examine not only the visible areas of the lesion, but the entire skin. Often, the elements of the rash are masked in the folds, under the knees, on the elbows. Next, the dermatologist evaluates the nature of the rash, namely the location, the number of elements of the rash, color, and so on.

Diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis are:

  • Itching is an obligate (strict) sign of atopic dermatitis.
  • Rashes - the nature and age when the first rashes appeared are taken into account. Children are characterized by the development of erythema in the area of ​​the cheeks and the upper half of the trunk, while in adults foci of lichenification (thickening of the skin, pigmentation disorders) predominate. Also, after adolescence, dense isolated papules begin to appear.
  • Recurrent (wavy) course of the disease - with periodic exacerbations in the spring-autumn period and remissions in the summer.
  • The presence of a concomitant atopic disease (eg, atopic asthma, allergic rhinitis) is an additional diagnostic criterion in favor of atopic dermatitis.
  • The presence of a similar pathology among family members - that is, the hereditary nature of the disease.
  • Increased dryness of the skin (xeroderma).
  • Strengthening the pattern on the palms (atopic palms).
These signs are the most common in the clinic of atopic dermatitis.
However, there are also additional diagnostic criteria that also speak in favor of this disease.

Additional signs of atopic dermatitis are:

  • frequent skin infections (eg, staphyloderma);
  • recurrent conjunctivitis;
  • cheilitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the lips);
  • darkening of the skin around the eyes;
  • increased pallor or, conversely, erythema (redness) of the face;
  • increased folding of the skin of the neck;
  • dirty neck symptom;
  • the presence of an allergic reaction to medications;
  • periodic visits;
  • geographical language.

Tests for atopic dermatitis

Objective diagnosis (that is, examination) of atopic dermatitis is also supplemented by laboratory data.

Laboratory signs of atopic dermatitis are:

  • increased concentration of eosinophils in the blood (eosinophilia);
  • the presence in the blood serum of specific antibodies to various allergens (for example, to pollen, some food products);
  • decrease in the level of CD3 lymphocytes;
  • decrease in the CD3/CD8 index;
  • decreased activity of phagocytes.
These laboratory data should also be supported by allergy skin tests.

The severity of atopic dermatitis

Often, atopic dermatitis is combined with damage to other organs in the form of an atopic syndrome. Atopic syndrome is the presence of several pathologies at the same time, for example, atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis and intestinal pathology. This syndrome is always much more severe than isolated atopic dermatitis. In order to assess the severity of the atopic syndrome, a European working group developed the SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) scale. This scale combines objective (physician-visible signs) and subjective (patient-presented) criteria for atopic dermatitis. The main advantage of using the scale is the ability to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

The scale provides a score for six objective symptoms - erythema (redness), edema, crusts / scales, excoriations / scratching, lichenification / peeling and dry skin.
The intensity of each of these features is assessed on a 4-point scale:

  • 0 - absence;
  • 1 - weak;
  • 2 - moderate;
  • 3 - strong.
Summing up these scores, calculate the degree of activity of atopic dermatitis.

The degrees of activity of atopic dermatitis include:

  • Maximum degree of activity equivalent to atopic erythroderma or a common process. The intensity of the atopic process is most pronounced in the first age period of the disease.
  • High degree of activity determined by widespread skin lesions.
  • moderate degree of activity characterized by a chronic inflammatory process, often localized.
  • Minimum degree of activity includes localized skin lesions - in infants, these are erythematous-squamous lesions on the cheeks, and in adults, local perioral (around the lips) lichenification and / or limited lichenoid lesions in the elbow and popliteal folds.
Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

How to treat atopic dermatitis?

Treatment atopic dermatitis regardless of the severity of the course of the disease should be comprehensive. This means that not the disease itself should be treated, but also the cause that led to it. For example, if atopic dermatitis is also accompanied by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, then both of these diseases must be treated simultaneously.

The main principles of the treatment of atopic dermatitis are as follows:
  • in the acute period of the disease, intensive therapy is carried out, including hormonal and other drugs;
  • during the period of remission of the disease, supportive treatment is recommended, which includes vitamins, physiotherapy, sorbents;
  • during remission, immunotherapy is prescribed;
  • during all periods of the disease, a hypoallergenic diet is recommended.
Based on these principles, it is clear that certain medicines are needed for each period of the disease. So, corticosteroids and antibiotics are prescribed during the acute period of the disease, and vitamins and immunomodulators - during the period of remission of the disease.

The list of drugs prescribed in various periods of the disease

The main principle of the treatment of atopic dermatitis is diet. A proper diet during all periods of illness is the key to a quick recovery. Refusal of allergen products is the most important and at the same time difficult to implement rule of diet therapy. It is especially difficult to comply with this recommendation for those patients who have not passed samples to determine a specific food causative agent of allergic reactions. Such people should follow a non-specific diet, which means avoiding all traditional allergenic foods. If allergological tests have been carried out, the patient is shown a specific diet, which implies the rejection of a particular product.

Creams and emollients for atopic dermatitis

The use of creams, lotions and emollients in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is an integral part of therapy. External therapy (that is, the use of drugs by the external method) is often the only procedure during the period of remission of the disease. The following forms of external agents are distinguished - creams, lotions, aerosols, emollients (oily ointment base). The choice of one form or another depends on the stage of the atopic process. So, in the acute stage of the atopic process, lotions and creams are prescribed, in the subacute and chronic stages (when dryness prevails) - emollients. Also, if the scalp is predominantly affected, lotions are used, if smooth skin, then creams. During the day it is better to use lotions and aerosols, in the evening hours of the day - creams and emollients.

The tactics of using creams and other external agents depends on the extent of the skin process. The choice of one or another means depends on the form of atopic dermatitis. As a rule, creams containing corticosteroids, which are also called local (or external) glucocorticosteroids, are used. Today, most doctors prefer two external glucocorticosteroids - methylprednisolone and mometasone. The first drug is known under the name advantan, the second - under the name elokom. These two drugs are highly effective, and most importantly, safe and have minimal side effects. Both products are available in the form of creams and lotions.

If an infection joins existing skin changes (as is often the case especially in children), then combined preparations containing antibiotics are prescribed. These drugs include triderm, gioksizon, sofradex.
In addition to the "traditional" hormonal agents used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, other, non-hormonal agents are also used. These are antihistamine and immunosuppressive external agents. The first includes fenistil, the second - elidel.

List of external agents used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Name

Release form

How is it applied?

Elocom

  • cream;
  • ointment;
  • lotion.

A thin layer is applied to the affected skin once a day. The duration of application depends on the degree of prevalence of the skin process, but, as a rule, does not exceed 10 days.

Advantan

  • ointment;
  • cream;
  • emulsion.

Apply a thin layer and lightly rub into the affected skin. The duration of treatment for adults is from 10 to 12 weeks, for children - up to 4 weeks.

Triderm

  • ointment;
  • cream.

Lightly rubbed into the affected skin and surrounding tissue twice a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 4 weeks.

Fenistil

  • gel;
  • emulsion;
  • drops.

The gel or emulsion is applied to the affected areas 2-3 times a day. If there is intense itching, then in parallel, drops are prescribed inside.

Elidel

  • cream.

A thin layer of cream is applied to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. After application, the cream is rubbed into the skin with light movements.

Lipikar for atopic dermatitis

Lipikar creams and lotions are long-term topical products. These are La Roche-Posay cosmetics, which are adapted for use in patients with atopic dermatitis. Preparations of this cosmetic line intensively moisturize the skin. As you know, the skin of people suffering from atopic dermatitis is characterized by increased dryness and flaking. Shea butter, which is part of most products from this line, slows down the process of dehydration (loss of moisture) of the skin. Lipikar creams and lotions also contain allantoin, thermal water and squalene. This composition restores the destroyed lipid membrane of the skin, relieves swelling and irritation of the skin.

In addition to Lipikar, Bepanthen, Atoderm, Atopalm creams are used. Bepanthen cream can be used during pregnancy and even in infants. It is effective in healing scratches and shallow wounds, and also stimulates skin regeneration. Available in the form of cream, ointment and lotion.

Vaccinations for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is not a contraindication for routine vaccination. Therefore, DPT, BCG, polio, hepatitis B, and rubella vaccines are routinely carried out. At the same time, it is known that the vaccine can stimulate the exacerbation of the process. Therefore, it is recommended to put the vaccine in the period of remission of atopic dermatitis. Vaccination should be carried out according to the vaccination schedule and only in the immunization rooms. Before it is recommended the appointment of antihistamines for prophylactic purposes. Drug therapy is carried out 4-5 days before vaccination and within 5 days after it. The drugs of choice in this case are ketotifen and loratadine.

Diet for atopic dermatitis

Diet therapy for atopic dermatitis is one of the main methods of treatment, which allows you to extend the period of remission and improve the patient's condition. The main rule of the diet is to avoid foods that can play the role of allergy provocateurs. In addition, nutrition should provide the body with the necessary resources to fight this disease.

The main provisions of the diet for atopic dermatitis are as follows:

  • exclusion of food allergens;
  • refusal of products that promote the release of histamine;
  • reduction in the volume of products containing gluten;
  • the inclusion of products for rapid healing of the skin;
  • improving the functionality of the digestive tract.
These rules are identical for all categories of patients, except for infants (children whose age does not exceed 1 year). For infants, there are separate nutritional recommendations.

Elimination of food allergens

Products that can trigger the development of an allergic reaction are present in all food groups. From the diet, it is necessary to exclude allergen products in their pure form, as well as dishes for the preparation of which they were used. In order to avoid a deficiency of nutrients, food allergens must be replaced with other products that are full in composition of nutrients.

Food allergens and what to replace them with

Name

Allergens

Alternative

Meat

  • duck;
  • goose;
  • game;
  • chicken.
  • rabbit;
  • turkey;
  • veal;
  • beef.

Fish

  • trout;
  • salmon;
  • pink salmon;
  • mackerel.
  • zander;
  • cod;
  • pollock.

Seafood

  • caviar;
  • oysters;
  • mussels;
  • squid.

In limited quantities, you can eat caviar and cod liver.

bee products

  • propolis;
  • perga ( densely compressed flower pollen).

Natural honey can be replaced with an analogue of artificial origin.

Tincture

Low blood pressure, reduced heart rate.

Preparations for strengthening immunity

Increased excitability of the nervous system, heart rhythm disturbances.

Tincture

High blood pressure, tendency to depression, anxiety.

Rose hip

Ulcer, gastritis, tendency to thrombosis.

Antihistamines

Varicose veins, impaired blood clotting.

Compress

There are no contraindications for herbal remedies for external use, except for individual intolerance to the main component.

Compress

Antiseptic external means

Prevention of atopic dermatitis

Prevention of atopic dermatitis is the most important link in the complex of therapeutic measures for this disease. Chronic, relapsing (wavy) course of atopic dermatitis and knowledge of the pathogenesis made it possible to formulate the basic principles of prevention. Depending on the timing and goals pursued, the prevention of atopic dermatitis can be primary or secondary.

Primary prevention

The goal of primary prevention is to prevent disease in people who are at high risk. Taking into account the fact that atopic dermatitis is one of the most common childhood diseases, the issue of prevention among children is especially relevant. Among the factors predisposing to the development of atopic dermatitis, one of the main ones is heredity. Therefore, primary prevention is of great importance for children whose parents (one or both) have a history of this disease. Preventive measures must begin to be taken even in the antenatal (intrauterine) period and continue after the birth of the child.

Prevention in the antenatal period
Measures for antenatal prevention of atopic dermatitis are as follows:

  • Hypoallergenic diet. A pregnant woman should exclude from the diet all traditional food allergens, which include eggs, milk, bee products, nuts.
  • Balanced diet. Despite the restrictions on the menu, the nutrition of a woman carrying a child should be varied and contain a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. According to experts, the diet, in which carbohydrate foods predominate, especially increases the likelihood of developing atopic dermatitis in a child.
  • Adequate treatment of gestosis(complications of pregnancy, which are manifested by edema and other problems). The deterioration of the pregnant woman's condition increases the permeability of the placenta, resulting in the fetus being exposed to allergens. This increases the chance that the child will have atopic dermatitis.
  • Many drugs contribute to the allergization of the fetus and, as a result, the development of atopic dermatitis in it. Most often, allergy provocateurs are antibiotics of the penicillin group (nafcillin, oxacillin, ampicillin).
  • Control of used household chemicals. Laundry detergents and other household products contain aggressive allergens that enter the female body through the respiratory system and can cause fetal sensitization. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic household chemicals.
Prevention after birth
After the birth of a child for a year, his nutrition should be hypoallergenic, since an unformed immune system and intestinal microflora cannot give a “worthy response” to food allergens. In the presence of breast milk, breastfeeding is recommended to continue for at least six months, and during this period, a nursing woman should follow a diet that excludes allergen foods. If breast milk is not available, the baby should be fed special infant formula.
The first complementary foods should be hypoallergenic vegetables and fruits (apples, zucchini), meat (turkey, rabbit).

Gradually, allergen products should also be introduced into the children's diet, fixing the reaction of the child's body to such food in a special diary. You should start with cow's milk, chicken meat. They should be introduced after the child reaches the age of one, during the period of remission of atopic dermatitis. By the second year of life, eggs can be included in the children's menu, by the third - honey, fish.

Secondary prevention of atopic dermatitis

Secondary prevention measures are relevant for those patients who have already experienced atopic dermatitis. The purpose of such prevention is to prolong the period of remission of the disease, and in the event of an exacerbation of the disease, to reduce symptoms.

Measures of secondary prevention of this disease are:

  • organization of hypoallergenic living conditions;
  • adequate skin care;
  • control of consumption of food allergens;
  • preventive (preliminary) drug therapy.
Organization of hypoallergenic living conditions
Exacerbation of atopic dermatitis is facilitated by such a common factor in everyday life as dust. The composition of household dust includes mites (saprophytes), particles of the skin of people and pets. Each of these components negatively affects the well-being of a patient with this disease. Therefore, the prevention of this disorder involves the organization of activities aimed at combating dust.
The main sources of dust in the home are bedding, textiles, upholstered furniture, bookcases and carpeting. For preventive purposes, you should choose hypoallergenic things, if possible, refuse to use some items and provide appropriate care for all household items.

Measures for organizing hypoallergenic living conditions are as follows:

  • Sleeping place. People with atopic dermatitis are advised to use synthetic-filled pillows and blankets. You should also refuse woolen blankets and blankets, as they are a favorable environment for ticks. Bed linen should be changed to new twice a week, and boiled when washing. Blankets, mattresses and pillows are recommended to be taken to special disinfection chambers or treated with anti-mite preparations. An effective measure for atopic dermatitis are special plastic cases for mattresses and pillows.
  • Carpets. In the room where the patient lives, it is recommended not to use carpets. If it is not possible to refuse carpets, preference should be given to products made of synthetic fibers with a short pile. The best option are carpets made of nylon, acrylic, polyester. Carpets should be replaced with new ones every 5-6 years. They should be cleaned every 2 weeks, using anti-mite preparations (doctor al, easy air, ADS spray).
  • Cushioned furniture. The upholstery of upholstered furniture and the materials used as fillers are places where a large amount of dust accumulates. With atopic dermatitis, it is recommended to replace sofas with beds, soft chairs with ordinary chairs or benches.
  • Bookcases and shelves. Not only does a large amount of dust accumulate in books, but mold also develops, which exacerbates atopic dermatitis. Therefore, one should refuse the presence of bookcases and shelves in the room where a person with this disease lives. If this is not possible, books should be kept in furniture with lockable doors.
  • Textile products. Instead of curtains and other textile products for windows, it is recommended to use blinds made of polymer materials. In spring, summer and autumn, protective nets should be installed on the windows to prevent dust, plant pollen, and poplar fluff from entering the room. Tablecloths, decorative napkins and other textiles should be kept to a minimum.
In the room where a person suffering from atopic dermatitis lives, wet cleaning should be carried out daily using hypoallergenic household products. In the evening and in rainy weather, you need to ventilate the room, and in the hot season, keep windows and doors closed. To maintain an optimal humidity regime, it is recommended to use air humidifiers.
Mold is one of the common factors that can worsen the condition of a person with atopic dermatitis. Therefore, in areas with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen), hoods should be installed and monthly cleaning should be carried out using agents that prevent the growth of mold microorganisms.

Adequate skin care
The skin in atopic dermatitis is characterized by increased vulnerability, which contributes to irritation and inflammation even during remission. Therefore, people with this disease need to provide proper skin care. Competent care increases the barrier functions of the skin, which can reduce the symptoms of the disease during periods of exacerbations.

Skin care measures for atopic dermatitis are as follows:

  • Cleansing. To implement personal hygiene procedures for this disease, it is recommended to use special products that do not contain aggressive components (alcohol, fragrances, alkali, preservatives). The best option are hypoallergenic preparations specially designed for skin care in atopic dermatitis. The most common brands of specialized products are bioderma, ducray, avene.
  • Hydration. During the day, it is recommended to moisturize the skin with special aerosols based on thermal water. Such products are present in the line of many manufacturers of pharmacy cosmetics (products designed to care for problem skin). The most famous brands include uriage, vichy, noreva. Before going to bed, the skin should be treated with a moisturizer or compresses should be made from natural aloe juices, potatoes.
  • Food. Means for nourishing the skin are used after water procedures before going to bed. In the cold season, the systematic use of such funds should be increased to 2-3 times a day. Creams with a greasy texture, which include natural oils, can be used to nourish the skin. You can increase the effectiveness of such a cream if you add fat-soluble vitamins A and E (sold in pharmacies) to it. You can also nourish the skin with natural oils (coconut, olive, almond).
During skin care procedures, you should refrain from using too hot and/or chlorinated water and hard washcloths. The duration of any water procedure should not exceed 15 - 20 minutes, after which the moisture should be blotted with a soft towel.

Controlling the intake of food allergens
Patients who have undergone allergological tests, during which a specific allergy provocateur has been identified, should follow a specific diet. Such a diet implies the rejection of the food allergen and the dishes in which it is present. People who do not have an allergen are shown a non-specific hypoallergenic diet, which implies the exclusion of all obligate (traditional) products that provoke allergies.

One of the effective measures to control the body's reaction to food is a food diary. Before you start keeping a diary, you should follow a strict hypoallergenic diet for several days. Then gradually you need to introduce allergen products into the diet, fixing the reaction of the body.

Preventive (preliminary) drug therapy

Taking special drugs before the predicted exacerbation of the disease inhibits the development of allergic reactions. For prevention, pharmacological preparations with antihistamine action are used, the type and pattern of consumption of which is determined by the doctor. Also, in order to increase the body's resistance to allergens, folk remedies can be used.

A prerequisite for the prevention of atopic dermatitis is to strengthen the immune system. For this, various vitamin-mineral complexes, plant immunomodulators can be used.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema (or atopic eczema syndrome), is a skin condition that affects a large number of people.

In most cases, this dermatitis is of allergic origin and affects most children. By the age of three, most babies recover, but if this does not happen, then dermatitis becomes chronic, difficult to treat.

Very often, dermatitis accompanies asthma, hay fever and other allergic manifestations and is significantly aggravated during periods of emotional stress. A person suffering from dermatitis is usually very sensitive, and his body splashes stress and negative emotions through the skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is subject not only to external factors such as allergens or environmental pollution, but also to everything that happens in the mind and body.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

As in cases of asthma and allergic rhinitis, conventional medicine does not know the causes of this skin lesion, and it attributes this disease to chronic.

Atopic dermatitis occurs due to excessive sensitivity of the skin, and, as a rule, in people predisposed to allergic reactions, or in those whose families had allergies.

Dermatitis occurs in many newborns, affecting the face and the surface of the skin in contact with diapers. As a rule, such phenomena occur in childhood or adolescence. However, there are children in whom dermatitis remains at a later age. Adults predisposed to allergies can suffer from the disease. Allergy tests in most cases confirm the allergic nature of this disease, although there is a dermatitis of nervous origin, which has symptoms of eczema, but is not associated with allergies.

There is also contact dermatitis, which is a localized allergic reaction that occurs upon contact with an allergen. The most common allergens in this case are metals, latex, clothing made from synthetic fabrics, chemicals such as wood-based formaldehyde, chlorinated water, or detergents.

Dry skin, the presence of any form of allergy in a family member with allergies, can be prerequisites for the occurrence of dermatitis or eczema. But even with a predisposition to allergies, the skin will remain in good condition if you stay away from the allergen. However, this is not always possible, as in the case of mites or pollen. In addition, the substance causing the reaction is not always known.

Is atopic dermatitis an allergy?

A few years ago, traditional medicine claimed that atopic dermatitis is not an allergic disease, but a manifestation of hypersensitivity, since its connection with IgE antibodies was not detected (mastocytes, that is, cells interacting with IgE, were not found on the skin).

However, scientists have established the fact that allergens that cause asthma, rhinitis or indigestion also have the ability to cause eczema.

This was until 1986, when the Dutch specialist Karla Bruinzel-Koomen discovered the causes of atopic dermatitis. They turned out to be Langerhans cells, which absorb foreign substances that enter the skin.

The scientist proved that on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis there are a huge number of Langerhans cells that carry IgE antibodies. These cells capture allergen proteins and deliver them to the cells of the immune system that cause dermatitis.

For this discovery, Karla Bruinzel-Koomen received the 1987 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Prize.

How does atopic dermatitis manifest itself?

In atopic or allergic dermatitis, skin lesions are usually common. Due to the inflammatory process, the skin looks dry and flaky. Typical symptoms are redness, burning, blistering containing exudate. The affected area is inflamed and causes severe burning and itching. When combing, the inflammation intensifies and the skin becomes coarse.

Scratching the inflamed area leads to infection, which aggravates the symptoms. The face, ankles, knees, and elbows are usually affected, but other areas of the body may also be affected.

Although atopic eczema is not considered a dangerous disease, those who suffer from it usually have trouble sleeping because of the intense burning sensation. As a result, the body is exhausted, which leads to nervous tension, irritability and fatigue.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis

Since young children suffer most from atopic dermatitis, first of all, I would like to say a few words about breastfeeding. Of course, the best food for a baby is mother's milk - a fact that does not require proof. Among other things, for newborns, this is an excellent preventive measure against this type of allergy. It has been proven that those children who were breastfed during infancy do not usually suffer from atopic dermatitis. Moreover, the percentage of such children increases even more if the mother did not suffer from allergies and did not drink cow's milk.

Breastfeeding is extremely important for strengthening the immune system of children, and it is recommended to give it for as long as possible. The secret of good health and strength of her child lies in the mother's body, therefore breastfeeding is the duty of every mother, of course, if there are no medical contraindications to this.

As for the treatment of atopic contact eczema, it is very important, as with all diseases of allergic origin, to avoid any contact with the allergen and maintain a positive mental and emotional attitude, since stress and negative emotions can be equated to the most powerful allergen in terms of impact.

In addition, certain rules should be followed to exclude any causes that cause skin irritation. This must be constantly remembered, especially with contact eczema on those areas of the skin that are covered by clothes or shoes.

It is not recommended to wear woolen and synthetic items, as they cause irritation with dermatitis. It is better to wear clothes made of silk or cotton. It happens that things made of pure cotton cause allergies, as they are sewn with synthetic threads. These threads can be distinguished by a lighter color. Before putting on a new thing, it must be washed and rinsed well to remove factory dirt. And it is very important to do this at home, since the chemicals used in dry cleaning usually cause irritation. Wash with liquid neutral or bar soap, as regular laundry detergents and even bio-based ones can cause a reaction. If cotton clothing does cause allergies, it may be due to the dyes used in the textile industry.

Some people's skin reacts to shoes. This is due to the fact that natural leathers are subjected to various chemical processing processes, while artificial leather is synthetic. In addition, shoe glue contains formaldehyde, which causes contact eczema in sensitive people. Thick cotton socks should be worn to isolate the burden from leather or synthetic shoes.

It is equally important that bed linen is cotton, and blankets and bedspreads are not wool. It is good if the mattress is made of vegetable material such as boumazeya, and the blanket is cotton.

As far as personal hygiene is concerned, regular tap water can cause skin irritation as it contains chlorine and other additives. Since it is not possible to wash with spring water in urban conditions, a shower should be taken as quickly as possible and not every day, but every other day. Avoid any cosmetics except those that do not contain fragrances and chemical additives. Talk to your pharmacist about the best products to use for allergies.

Latex is often the culprit in contact dermatitis. If you have children, handle this material with great care, as a regular pacifier or bottle nipple can cause widespread eczema on the child's face. The same can happen with children's teething items and toys.

Another dangerous enemy of people suffering from atopic dermatitis are chemicals used in the manufacture of furniture, such as formaldehyde and adhesives. If you have eliminated all possible allergens from your daily routine, but still feel bad, it is possible that the reason lies in these substances. In the article on allergens, you will learn how you can deal with them.

traditional medicine

Since traditional medicine does not know the cause of this disease, it directs its efforts to alleviate the symptoms. For these symptoms, doctors usually prescribe hydrocortisone ointment to reduce skin inflammation, antihistamines to relieve the burning sensation, and antibiotics if the eczema is complicated by infection from blisters.

Not to mention the trouble associated with the side effects of these drugs, treatment with corticoids and antibiotics should be limited to a few days, and therefore the relief they bring will only be temporary.

If the burning sensation causes insomnia, some sleeping pills are prescribed.

Natural Treatments

As a rule, medicines are reserved for severe cases, and the doctors themselves advise the patient to resort to home remedies to alleviate the burning sensation. It is generally recommended to use medicated soaps or natural oat-based soaps or soap substitutes. You can wash without soap in warm water by adding 2 full tablespoons of oatmeal to it. So that the skin does not soften, bathing should not be long. Wipe gently without rubbing the skin. After bathing, apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer based on natural ingredients, such as calendula, or a cream with vitamin E to the skin.

For severe burning, two home remedies help: applying ice or onion juice to the affected area. How much easier it is, you can see for yourself.

natural nutrition

Although sometimes atopic eczema is caused by allergens such as mites or pollen, statistics show that most cases of dermatitis are still associated with food allergies. And if this is so, then it is best to completely exclude a dangerous product from the diet and follow the principle of a healthy and balanced diet, as we have repeatedly repeated throughout the story.

However, in many cases, the cause of atopic dermatitis is not clear, although, according to experts, it lies in food intolerance. Then nutritionists advise resorting to an elimination diet.

During this diet, no other treatment aimed at improving the condition of the skin, even natural, is allowed. The goal is to identify, by observing the condition of the skin, which product, excluded from the diet, causes dermatitis. If we are talking about food intolerance, the improvement will not be long in coming, and very soon the skin will recover and the burning sensation will disappear. Particularly good results from the use of this method are observed in children.

The first stage of the elimination diet lasts five days, during which fasting or eating foods that do not cause suspicion is recommended. The basis is usually taken from three to four foods (such as rice), which very rarely cause intolerance. This treatment should not be taken lightly - be sure to follow the advice of a specialist in the field of this diet.

At the end of the first stage of fasting or restricted nutrition, there is a significant improvement in the condition. Then gradually begin to introduce other products. If any of them cause intolerance, eczema will reappear. The reaction to this product occurs instantly within the first minutes or appears after a day or two. So, step by step, a nutritionist will determine a diet, following which you will get rid of skin inflammation and burning. One of the signs indicating that the skin is recovering is a change in its color; from bright red it will become reddish-purple. Its structure also changes: it begins to peel off strongly, which indicates that the diseased layer of the skin is separated, giving way to a healthy one.

A food intolerance test helps a lot. An impact study of 100 foods and 20 supplements reveals "forbidden foods" and dietary nutrition solves the problem.

The next circumstance that you need to keep in mind when choosing products is the increased content of vitamins B, C and calcium in them, in connection with which we advise you to eat more fruits and greens, brewer's yeast and cereals. Vitamin B is also found in eggs and milk, but we do not recommend them due to the fact that they often cause allergies.

A storehouse of vitamins, minerals and trace elements of natural origin are marine and freshwater algae. These aquatic plants supply a huge amount of important minerals, and their concentration in algae is much higher than in other natural products. It is very important that algae be included in your daily diet, but to get used to their peculiar taste, eat them in small quantities at first. Their outstanding virtues in the treatment of allergies include the fact that they help to eliminate metals, toxic substances and toxins from the body and help maintain the skin in good condition.

Heliotherapy

Sunlight is a source of energy. It helps to synthesize vitamins, activates the hypothalamus and strengthens the skin, but you need to be exposed to solar radiation only within reasonable limits. If you live in a sunny climate zone, take advantage of this on your daily walks. In the summer, try to do them before ten o'clock in the morning and avoid going outside an hour before noon and in the early afternoon when the sun is too hot. In winter, on the contrary, there is nothing better than a walk in the afternoon. The time of exposure to sunlight should be increased gradually, starting from ten minutes and bringing up to one hour in two weeks.

If your rhythm of life or the climate of your region does not allow you to receive these life-giving sunbaths, you can resort to artificial irradiation in special centers where modern artificial light lamps will have almost as beneficial an effect as the real sun. However, in any case, try not to miss the opportunity of natural insolation.

If you are thinking about sunbathing, it is better to choose the beach for this. Solar procedures in the highlands are very useful for various health disorders, including respiratory diseases. They also stimulate metabolism, improve appetite and immune system activity. However, skin problems are especially favored by the sea coast due to the certain level of humidity, constant temperature and the combined action of ultraviolet rays and iodine.

Of course, if you are allergic to the sun, you should not resort to such procedures, unless in very small doses and under the supervision of a specialist.

Dermatologists and therapists have proven that under the influence of sunlight, the condition of atopic eczema improves. Reduces dry skin, its roughness, pigmentation and itching. This is due to the fact that the sun activates the peripheral blood circulation, so that the skin is better supplied with oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the sun stimulates the production of the pigment melanin, which also strengthens the skin.

In addition, sunlight, entering the hypothalamus through the eyes, contributes to the production of important hormones. As you know, this gland is the center that controls the mind, so the sun improves inner self-awareness.

Homeopathy

Atopic eczema can be successfully treated with the constitutional homeopathic method. To do this, you need to contact a good homeopath who can choose the right treatment. Moreover, it is important not only to choose a remedy that matches the constitution, but also to prevent a “homeopathic complication”, which will worsen the condition of the skin in the initial period of treatment.

Phytotherapy and lotions

In the treatment of dermatitis, medicinal plants can provide significant assistance. Their healing properties are used not only when using infusions, but also by direct action on the affected areas of the skin to alleviate the condition and relieve inflammation. Lotions from medicinal herbs have anti-inflammatory, softening, bactericidal and soothing itching effect. Take advantage of their benefits.

Consult a herbalist who will advise, taking into account the characteristics of your disease, which herbs are best to choose and how to prepare an infusion from them.

Stinging nettleReduces burning sensation
bear's earPrevents infection of skin lesions. The affected areas should be washed with a decoction of the leaves.
borage grassTones the skin. Can be taken internally as an infusion or externally while bathing.
laurelPrevents infection and restores the skin. The leaves are steeped in olive oil or added to bathing water.
MallowAn excellent emollient. Apply as a cold compress of decoction of leaves and flowers.
ElderHas anti-inflammatory properties. Use young leaves for lotions.
ArnicaIt has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action. You can take it orally as an infusion, as well as when bathing and in the form of lotions.
bearberryIt has astringent and bactericidal action. For eczema, it is applied externally.
HopThanks to its calming effect, it helps to fall asleep and normalizes sleep. Due to its high zinc content, it is very effective for the topical treatment of eczema.
CloverIt has an astringent and healing effect that helps restore the skin to its original appearance. Used for lotions.

Primrose flowers produce fireweed oil, which is widely used in natural medicine, including in the treatment of atopic and contact eczema. Apply this oil for three to four months (at least). Itching, dryness and flaking of the skin will disappear. The healing properties of primrose are comparable to the anti-inflammatory effect of ointments based on corticoids or immunomodulators. Therefore, we highly recommend this effective natural remedy for relieving the painful symptoms of dermatitis.

Comprehensive treatment includes a number of mandatory measures - physiotherapy, diets, drug treatment, and prevention.

Given the pathogenesis of the disease, treatment methods should be aimed at achieving long-term remission, as well as skin restoration.

The reasons

I single out external and internal causes of the development of dermatitis.

Internal factors:

  1. genetic predisposition. Atopic dermatitis is more likely to occur in those whose relatives or parents have a predisposition to allergies. But this does not mean that dermatitis will definitely be inherited;
  2. metabolic disorders in the skin. Any violation in the protective function of the skin leads to the fact that it becomes more susceptible;
  3. skin reaction to external stimuli. In some people, the immune system reacts instantly to many substances;

External factors:

  1. stress. Overwork of the body leads to disruption of the immune system;
  2. environmental exposure to the skin contributes to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis;
  3. excessive physical activity;
  4. food products. Improper nutrition of pregnant mothers will lead to the fact that dermatitis will occur not only in them, but also in the child;
  5. environment. Doctors say that excessive toxins in the air can trigger the onset of the disease;

Development mechanism

The mechanism of development is reduced to disruption of the immune system.

The ingestion of allergy pathogens leads to the onset of an inflammatory process of an allergic nature.

Antibodies begin to be produced in the blood, which gradually accumulate in the skin. The protective function of the skin is impaired. That is why the further inflammatory process concerns the skin.

The main symptoms of manifestation

One of the main manifestations is a feeling of severe itching.

It can be different - barely felt, intense, capable of causing depression and sleep disturbance.

The skin is flaky, lichenification appears. If treatment measures are not taken in time, the skin will begin to coarsen, dryness, ulcers will appear.

It is possible the appearance of secondary infections that will cause swelling, purulent discharge.

Treatment options for atopic dermatitis in adults

Atopic dermatitis is an insidious skin disease. In the fight against nm, people will pour both traditional methods of treatment and non-traditional ones. Traditional methods of treatment in adults consist of various complex measures.

Some of them can be done while at home:

  1. diet. It is prescribed by a doctor, after examination. Patients need it in the acute form of the disease;
  2. medical- the use of drugs to relieve inflammatory processes;
  3. physiotherapy. Doctors say that this is one of the safest methods of treatment. The immune system is restored, inflammation on the skin recedes;

Non-traditional methods include treatment with tinctures based on herbal preparations.

The exacerbation of the disease is always associated with exposure to allergens, which is why there are recommendations that are important to follow:

  • try to completely limit contact with the irritant;
  • do not keep pets in the room where the patient lives;
  • make sure that the skin is not dry;
  • use hypoallergenic cosmetics;

A dermatologist will probably prescribe ointments and drugs. Be sure to take them as directed. At the slightest suspicion of dermatitis, go to the doctor.

medicines

Treatment of atopic dermatitis begins only after examination by a specialist. He will prescribe a number of medications, taking into account age, individual tolerance, and the nature of the disease.

Self-medication is dangerous and can cause complications.

For therapy, antihistamines are prescribed:

  • Zodak;
  • Diazolin;
  • Narkom.

Desensitizing agents will help reduce itching. Drugs will reduce the level of sensitivity to allergens - calcium gluconate, sodium thiosulfate.

Soothing drugs are prescribed that can normalize the functioning of the nervous system - motherwort, valerian. For more severe disorders - Diazepam.

In most cases, atopic dermatitis is accompanied by inflammatory processes, as well as diseases of the digestive system.

In order to restore the normal microflora, you need to take medications such as:

  1. enzymes - festal;
  2. sorbents - enterosgel;
  3. probiotics - dufalac;

To improve metabolism and normalize the functioning of the immune system, it is necessary to take vitamins regularly.

Exacerbated forms of the disease, as described above, require physiotherapy.

Means for external use

Funds used externally are aimed at the following:

  • reduce or completely eliminate itching;
  • restore the skin;
  • soften the skin;
  • restore protective properties;

Topical preparations - external glucocorticoids, topical immunosuppressants.

Almost all drugs of this type are produced in the form of creams, lotions, ointments.

Fenistal gel is a multifunctional remedy. Cares for damaged skin, moisturizes it.

A few hours after application, the first effect will be felt. They need to be used at least 4 times a day.

Zinc ointment is a caring and anti-inflammatory agent. Safe for children and pregnant women. Treatment in adults with ointment can be lengthy.

She struggles with dermatitis for a month, until the signs disappear completely. This is the only ointment that can be used independently without a doctor's appointment.

folk recipes

As practice shows, the treatment of atopic dermatitis with folk remedies in adults is quite effective.

After all, the disease does not bring life threat and is not incurable. It is unlikely that anyone will like inflammation on the skin, which not only itch, but also interfere with work.

In order to get rid of this unpleasant ailment, folk recipes were “invented”.

It is worth paying attention that they can treat not only adults, but also children.

  1. lotion. To prepare it, you need to take a glass of boiled water and st. a spoonful of medicinal veronica. Pour boiling water over the grass and insist for 3 hours. Then strain and treat the skin in the affected areas 5-6 times a day. The lotion is safe, has no side effects;
  2. compress. You can prepare this folk remedy at home. The only thing you need for this is a fresh raw potato. Wash it, clean it, and grate it. Squeeze the resulting mass from the water and wrap in gauze. Apply a compress at night to sore spots;
  3. antipruritic ointment. In addition to redness on the skin, dermatitis also causes another discomfort - constant itching. In order to remove it, you can prepare an ointment. For this you will need: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of butter, glycerin, 2 tbsp. pre-boiled hay dust, 4 tbsp. water, chamomile, fireweed. In a container, mix fireweed and chamomile, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Add oil and dust, cook until the mass takes on a thick consistency. Keep the ointment in the refrigerator. Lubricate the skin 4 times a day;

Drug Overview

A number of drugs are used to treat atopic dermatitis.

Their doctor prescribes, unauthorized admission is prohibited, in order to avoid complications:

  • tavegil- available in the form of tablets, syrup. Relieves itching, eliminates swelling. Taken as prescribed by a doctor;
  • fenistil- drops for oral administration. According to the doctor's prescription, it can be given to children starting from one month. Side effects include drowsiness;
  • fenisti - gel. It is used for severe skin itching. It does not need to be applied to the skin in a thick layer. It is strictly forbidden to give to children on their own;
  • lomilal- comes in the form of a suspension and tablets. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. You can take pills from the age of 12.

Home therapy rules

Atopic dermatitis can develop at any age, regardless of gender. Despite the fact that this is not an infectious disease, there is still discomfort from it. While at home, you can try to relieve itching and the initial signs of the disease.

For this, there are certain means:

  1. Aloe Vera Gel. You can buy it at a pharmacy, without a doctor's prescription. The cold effect of the drug relieves itching. If such a plant grows at home, you can cut the leaves and get a fresh gel.
  2. oil therapy. This is the best option for treating atopic dermatitis at home. To do this, you can take - castor oil, coconut, almond. It has a calming and healing effect.
  3. Salt. It is good for relieving itching and inflammation. Take a cup of salt, dissolve in a liter of warm water. Moisten the affected areas for 15 minutes.

Principles of therapy in children

For the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children, a number of measures must be taken. The main attention should be paid to the restoration of the outer layers of the skin. To do this, you need to use moisturizing cosmetics 3-4 times a day.

If the disease has affected the baby, then it is important to keep breastfeeding as long as possible. At the same time, the mother’s nutrition should be correct, not any allergic products.

You need to bathe the child every day, without the use of soap. Buy medicated shampoos. After bathing, do not rub the skin, blot with a towel and let it dry on its own.

Vaccination of a child with atopic dermatitis is a problem today. After all, the mere fact of having a disease is not a reason to refuse vaccinations.

But the nuance is that they can only be put in the period of remission.

It is mandatory to take antihistamines, but only those prescribed by the attending physician.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in children is not difficult. With the timely treatment of mothers to the hospital, you can get rid of the disease as quickly as possible.

Preventive methods

To treat the disease, as well as to prevent its recurrence, several rules must be observed:

  1. food. Exclude from the diet foods that can provoke allergies - chocolate, nuts, citrus, eggs;
  2. skin care. It is important not just to use creams and moisturize the skin. It is also necessary to take water procedures correctly. Add decoctions of medicinal herbs to them. Do not wipe the skin dry, but let it dry on its own;
  3. do not keep pets at home;
  4. use hypoallergenic products.

Unfortunately, there is no single cure for the disease. But even these simple rules will delay the onset of remission.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor in the following cases:

  • the symptoms are so disturbing that it is impossible to sleep peacefully;
  • soreness of the skin;
  • ulcers appeared on the skin, yellow color;
  • all attempts at skin care do not bring results;

If you observe these symptoms, even if not in significant numbers, go to the doctor. This will help specialists quickly identify the source of the allergy, prescribe medications.

And you, in turn, will quickly return to your usual way of life, without unnecessary discomfort.

Atopic dermatitis in infants is a chronic immune inflammation of the skin of a child, characterized by a certain form of rashes and their staging of appearance.

Children's and infantile atopic dermatitis significantly reduce the quality of life of the whole family due to the need for strict adherence to a special therapeutic diet and hypoallergenic lifestyle.

The main risk factors and causes of atopic dermatitis

A risk factor for atopic is often a hereditary burden for allergies and. Unfavorable factors are also such factors as the peculiarities of the constitution, malnutrition, insufficiently good care for the child.

To understand what atopic dermatitis is and how to treat it, knowledge about the pathogenesis of this allergic disease will help.

Every year, the knowledge of scientists about the immunopathological processes occurring in the body in atopic childhood is increasing.

In the course of the disease, the physiological skin barrier is disrupted, Th2 lymphocytes are activated, and immune defenses are reduced.

The concept of the skin barrier

Dr. Komarovsky, in his articles popular among young parents, touches on the topic of the characteristics of children's skin.

Komarovsky highlights 3 main features that matter in violation of the skin barrier:

  • underdevelopment of sweat glands;
  • fragility of the stratum corneum of the children's epidermis;
  • high lipid content in the skin of newborns.

All these factors lead to a decrease in the protection of the skin of the baby.

hereditary predisposition

Atopic dermatitis in infants may occur due to a filaggrin mutation, in which changes occur in the filaggrin protein, which ensures the structural integrity of the skin.

Atopic dermatitis is formed in children under one year old due to a decrease in local skin immunity to the penetration of external allergens: the biosystem of washing powder, the epithelium and hair of pets, fragrances and preservatives contained in cosmetic products.

Antigenic loads in the form of toxicosis of pregnant women, taking pregnant drugs, occupational hazards, highly allergenic nutrition - all this can provoke an exacerbation of an allergic disease in a newborn.

  • food;
  • professional;
  • household.

Prevention of allergies in infants can be a natural, as long as possible, rational use of medicines, treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

Classification of atopic dermatitis

Atopic eczema is divided into age stages into three stages:

  • infant (from 1 month to 2 years);
  • children's (from 2 years to 13);
  • teenage.

In newborns, rashes look like redness with vesicles. Bubbles are easily opened, forming a weeping surface. The baby is worried about itching. Children comb rashes.

In places, bloody-purulent crusts are formed. Eruptions often appear on the face, thighs, legs. Doctors call this form of rash exudative.

In some cases, there are no signs of weeping. The rash looks like spots with slight peeling. The scalp and face are most commonly affected.

At the age of 2, in sick children, the skin is characterized by increased dryness, cracks appear. Rashes are localized in the knee and elbow fossae, on the hands.

This form of the disease has the scientific name "erythematous-squamous form with lichenification." In the lichenoid form, peeling is observed, mainly in the folds, in the elbow folds.

The lesion of the skin of the face manifests itself at an older age and is called "atopic face". There is pigmentation of the eyelids, peeling of the skin of the eyelids.

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in children

There are criteria for atopic dermatitis, thanks to which you can establish the correct diagnosis.

Main criteria:

  • early onset of the disease in an infant;
  • itching of the skin, more often manifested at night;
  • chronic continuous course with frequent serious exacerbations;
  • exudative nature of the rash in newborns and lichenoid in older children;
  • the presence of close relatives suffering from allergic diseases;

Additional criteria:

  • dry skin;
  • positive skin tests on allergy testing;
  • white dermographism;
  • the presence of conjunctivitis;
  • pigmentation of the periorbital region;
  • central protrusion of the cornea - keratoconus;
  • eczematous lesions of the nipples;
  • strengthening the skin pattern on the palms.

Laboratory diagnostic measures for severe atopic dermatitis are prescribed by a doctor after examination.

Complications of atopic dermatitis in children

Frequent complications in children is the addition of various kinds of infections. An open wound surface becomes a gateway for fungi of the Candida genus.

Prevention of infectious complications is to follow the recommendations of the allergist on the features of the use of emollients (moisturizers).

List of possible complications of atopic dermatitis:

  • folliculitis;
  • boils;
  • impetigo;
  • anular stomatitis;
  • candidiasis of the oral mucosa;
  • skin candidiasis;
  • Kaposi's herpetiform eczema;
  • molluscum contagiosum;
  • genital warts.

Conventional treatment for atopic dermatitis

Therapy of atopic dermatitis in children begins with the development of a special hypoallergenic diet.

An allergist makes a special elimination diet for a mother with atopic dermatitis in a baby. This diet will help keep breastfeeding as long as possible.

Approximate elimination hypoallergenic diet in children under one year old with atopic dermatitis.

Menu:

  • breakfast. Dairy-free porridge: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, butter, tea, bread;
  • lunch. Fruit puree from pears or apples;
  • dinner. Vegetable soup with meatballs. Mashed potatoes. Tea. Bread;
  • afternoon tea. Berry jelly with cookies;
  • dinner. Vegetable-cereal dish. Tea. Bread;
  • second dinner. Milk mixture or.

The menu for a child, and especially for a baby with atopic dermatitis, should not contain spicy, fried, salty foods, seasonings, canned food, fermented cheeses, chocolate, carbonated drinks. In the menu for children with allergic symptoms, semolina, cottage cheese, sweets, yogurt with preservatives, chicken, bananas, onions, and garlic are limited.

Mixtures based on the treatment of atopic dermatitis in a child will also help.

In case of hypersensitivity to cow milk proteins, the World Allergist Organization strongly discourages the use of products based on non-hydrolyzed goat milk protein, since these peptides have a similar antigenic composition.

vitamin therapy

Patients with atopic dermatitis are not prescribed multivitamin preparations that are dangerous in terms of the development of allergic reactions. Therefore, it is preferable to use monopreparations of vitamins - pyridoxine hydrochloride, calcium patothenate, retinol.

Immunomodulators in the treatment of allergic dermatoses

Immunomodulators that affect the phagocytic link of immunity have proven themselves in the treatment of allergic dermatoses:

  1. Polyoxidonium has a direct effect on monocytes, increases the stability of cell membranes, and is able to reduce the toxic effect of allergens. It is used intramuscularly once a day with an interval of 2 days. Course up to 15 injections.
  2. Likopid. Enhances the activity of phagocytes. Available in tablets of 1 mg. May cause an increase in body temperature.
  3. Zinc preparations. They stimulate the restoration of damaged cells, enhance the action of enzymes, and are used for infectious complications. Zincteral is used 100 mg three times a day for up to three months.

Hormonal creams and ointments for atopic dermatitis in children

It is not possible to treat severe atopic dermatitis in children without the use of local anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid therapy.

With atopic eczema in children, both hormonal creams and various forms of ointments are used.

Below are basic recommendations for the use of hormonal ointments in children:

  • with a severe exacerbation, treatment begins with the use of strong hormonal agents - Celestoderm, Kutiveit;
  • to relieve symptoms of dermatitis on the trunk and arms in children, Lokoid, Elocom, Advantan are used;
  • It is not recommended to use Sinaflan, Fluorocort, Flucinar in pediatric practice due to serious side effects.

Calcineurin blockers

An alternative to hormonal ointments. Can be used for facial skin, areas of natural folds. Pimecrolimus and Tacrolimus preparations (Elidel, Protopic) are recommended to be used in a thin layer on rashes.

You can not use these drugs in immunodeficiency states.

The course of treatment is long.

Means with antifungal and antibacterial activity

In infectious uncontrolled complications, it is necessary to use creams that have antifungal and antibacterial components in their composition - Triderm, Pimafukort.

The previously used and successful zinc ointment was replaced by a new, more effective analogue - activated zinc pyrithione, or Skin-cap. The drug can be used in a one-year-old child in the treatment of a rash with infectious complications.

With severe weeping, an aerosol is used.

Dr. Komarovsky writes in his articles that there is no more formidable enemy for a child's skin than dryness.

Komarovsky advises using moisturizers (emollients) to moisturize the skin and restore the skin barrier.

The Mustela program for children with atopic dermatitis offers a moisturizer in the form of a cream emulsion.

The Lipikar laboratory La Roche-Posay program includes Lipikar balm, which can be applied after hormonal ointments to prevent dry skin.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis with folk remedies

How to cure atopic dermatitis permanently? This question is being asked by scientists and doctors around the world. The answer to this question has not yet been found. Therefore, many patients are increasingly resorting to homeopathy and traditional methods of traditional medicine.

Treatment with folk remedies sometimes brings good results, but it is better if this method of treatment is combined with traditional therapeutic measures.

With wetting of the skin during a severe exacerbation of allergic dermatosis, folk remedies in the form of a lotion with a decoction of a string or oak bark help well. To prepare a decoction, you can purchase a series in filter bags at the pharmacy. Brew in 100 ml of boiled water. With the resulting decoction, make lotions on the sites of rashes three times during the day.

Spa treatment

Most Popular sanatoriums for children with manifestations of atopic dermatitis:

  • sanatorium them. Semashko, Kislovodsk;
  • sanatoriums "Rus", "DiLuch" in Anapa with a dry maritime climate;
  • Sol-Iletsk;
  • sanatorium "Keys" in the Perm region.
  • limit your child's contact with all types of allergens as much as possible;
  • give preference to cotton clothes for the baby;
  • avoid emotional stress;
  • cut your child's nails short;
  • the temperature in the living room should be as comfortable as possible;
  • try to keep the humidity in the child's room at 40%.

What follows avoid in atopic dermatitis:

  • apply cosmetics on alcohol;
  • wash too often;
  • use hard washcloths;
  • take part in sports competitions.