Atopic Dermatitis? Information To Better Understand And Deal With This Uncomfortable Disease
by Julia Gregory
Atopic dermatitis disease, sometimes called eczema, is an uncomfortable skin disease that causes areas of skin to feel inflamed, irritated, and itchy. Chronic forms of this condition can last for long periods of time and most often begin in childhood but can appear later in life, as well.
Because no cure has yet been found, atopic dermatitis sufferers learn to cope through a combination of medical and self-care treatments that help to soothe and protect the affected areas and prevent symptoms from worsening. If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, this information can help you better understand and deal with this uncomfortable disease.
Causative factors
Patients most likely to develop eczema are thought to share genetic factors that affect their skin's ability to produce and retain a healthy level of natural moisture. When this protective natural moisture is insufficient or missing, irritants, allergens, and environmental conditions can more easily attack and damage the unprotected skin, resulting in rashes, scaly patches, or areas of infected skin. Additionally, those who develop eczema as a child or young adult may be more prone to the development of asthma or hay fever.
Recognize triggers
Bouts of atopic dermatitis may develop or worsen in relation to a few common factors. Patients who can learn to recognize and eliminate potential triggers can sometimes minimize the symptoms and related discomfort. Some of the most common triggers include the use of products that can be irritating to the skin, such as harsh soaps and detergents, or the ingestion of some foods, such as milk, eggs, or wheat.
Taking the time to keep a daily diary of foods eaten and potential irritants your skin may have come into contact with can help you begin to recognize connections between them and may help to avoid later outbreaks of eczema by avoiding suspected triggers.
Minimizing symptoms
When atopic dermatitis flares, patients may be able to help control the severity of the outbreak by taking steps to minimize common symptoms. Medical care experts may suggest regular use of gentle moisturizers and the elimination of harsh soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. In some cases, using a small amount of household bleach in the bathwater intermittently every week or so may be helpful in preventing or minimizing flares of atopic dermatitis.
As research continues, additional resources and care treatments may become available. To learn more, ask your medical healthcare provider about the latest atopic dermatitis resources available in your area. A medical healthcare provider can offer additional information regarding atopic dermatitis disease.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.