Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions and atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of its kinds. People with atopic dermatitis suffer from severe skin redness, itchiness, and inflammation. The condition can be caused by any of the triggering factors like dust, pollen or autoimmune condition and show up on the skin in variable forms.
In this post, we will get in detail about atopic dermatitis, its causes/triggers, symptoms, and how to get it managed or treated with the help of a dermatologist.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is a non-contagious medical skin problem. It is the most common chronic skin inflammation disease worldwide that presents on the skin as a generalized dry, itchy rash.
One affected with atopic dermatitis has itchy skin that affects their lifestyle and sometimes people also have secondary skin infection and sleepless nights.
People who suffer from this skin issue and want to achieve healthy skin can get in touch with atopic dermatitis or eczema treatment doctor in Bangalore at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic. They first diagnose the root cause of the concern and help one achieve a healthy and disease free skin.
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
Often reported signs of atopic dermatitis include:
- Extremely itchy skin causing intense scratching and disturbing sleep as well as routine activities or causing the skin to bleed
- Skin inflammation that can appear pink, red, purple, brown, or gray as per the natural skin tone; sometimes being painful to touch
- Lighter or darker skin and thick, leathery skin in areas earlier affected
- Skin rash that bubbles and ooze clear fluid
- Scaly or dry skin and redness.
These signs may vary slightly in affected people of different age groups. The severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms can impact the life quality and mental health of an affected person.
Atopic Dermatitis Causes
There is no definite reason behind the occurrence of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammation caused by an erroneous functioning immune system. An immune response leads to the rapid production of inflammatory skin cells that are responsible for most of the AD symptoms.
The skin affected with atopic dermatitis has an altered skin barrier that allows easy water loss and entry of skin irritants. All of this leads to itchy, red skin rashes.
There are various triggers of atopic dermatitis. Usually, the condition flares-up due to the following genetic factors and environmental factors:
- Long, hot baths or showers
- Heat
- Sweat
- Scratching of the previously affected skin
- Cold, dry weather
- Allergens like pollen, dust, and dander
- Synthetic fabrics and wool
- Stress
- Strenuous workout
- Physical skin irritants such as smoke, sand, and dirt
- Soaps, cleaners, and detergents.
Atopic Dermatitis vs. Eczema
Here are the differences between eczema and atopic dermatitis:
- Meaning- Eczema is an umbrella term for all inflammatory skin conditions and atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
- Symptoms- Eczema manifests as red, itchy, dry, and bumpy skin that may crust or ooze fluid. Whereas, atopic dermatitis presents as red, itchy, scaly, bumpy, or blistered skin that may even crust, ooze fluid, or crack.
- Causes and triggers- Eczema is triggered by skin allergens, irritants, or microbial infections. On the other side, atopic dermatitis can be genetic, an immune response, or the result of environmental factors.
A dermatologist can diagnose atopic dermatitis by physically examining the symptoms based on their duration/severity and appearance. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is done to rule out other possibilities.
Atopic Dermatitis Face: Managing Facial Symptoms
When having facial eczema or atopic dermatitis on other body parts, daily management of the atopic dermatitis symptoms is crucial. While treating atopic dermatitis on the face, basic atopic dermatitis care is needed for all mild to serious cases. The management includes:
- Establishing a regular skincare routine which includes washing your face daily two times with mild cleanser and applying a fragrance-free, thick moisturizer while the skin is damp to lock skin moisture and repair the skin barrier
- Keeping track of the atopic dermatitis triggers and avoiding them to prevent the worsening of the condition
- Wearing only mineral-based, non-comedogenic, gentle, and non-skin-irritating make-up
- Consulting a dermatologist for prescription treatments to manage atopic dermatitis flare-ups
- Using a humidifier to add moisture to the surrounding air
- Applying a cool compress to soothe irritated skin
- Practicing stress relieving techniques.
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Options
In addition to following proper skincare for atopic dermatitis, managing atopic dermatitis also includes undergoing a dermatologist-recommended atopic dermatitis treatment. Here are the various treatment options available:
- Over-the-counter medications- These include corticos-teroids, antihis-tamines, and pain relievers to manage signs of atopic dermatitis.
- Topical/ Biologic/injectable/Oral prescription/powerful drugs- These medications help manage skin inflammation and itchiness.
- Phototherapy/ UVA and UVB therapy- Exposure of the affected skin to UV light can suppress the overactive immune system and significantly reduce skin inflammation and itching.
Consulting Atopic Dermatitis Specialists
If experiencing itchy, red, scaly, dry skin, it is recommended to go for a skin specialist consultation to receive an initial diagnosis. Atopic Dermatitis specialists can identify the triggers and suggest effective treatment. If atopic dermatitis symptoms are interfering with daily life, it is advised to see dermatologists for atopic dermatitis for a personalized, management plan.
Prompt consultation with an experienced dermatologist for atopic dermatitis is recommended even when there are signs of skin infection such as:
- Pain, inflammation, and tenderness or heat generated around the skin rash
- Red streaks coming out from the rash
- An unusual skin discharge
- Fever.
Take Help From an Eczema Specialist Today!
By learning about unique atopic dermatitis symptoms, causes, and triggers and following proper skincare, preventing and managing atopic dermatitis is possible. The frequency and severity of the flare-ups can be reduced. A significant relief from AD symptoms is possible with dermatologist-recommended treatment.
Living with atopic dermatitis can be challenging and self-management may not be enough. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with an atopic dermatitis specialist for proper diagnosis, identifying triggers, managing symptoms, and receiving an effective treatment plan. Dermatologist at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic works together with the patient to devise a treatment plan and be available for the patient throughout the patient’s treatment journey.
FAQs on Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Can Atopic Dermatitis Affect the Face?
Yes. Facial dermatitis is most often seen in infants and adults, mainly affecting the cheeks, mouth, and periorbital region.
When Should I See a Specialist for Atopic Dermatitis?
Consult a skin specialist for atopic dermatitis, if it is painful, infected, or causing disturbance in sleep or routine activities.
What Is the Most Common Infection in Atopic Dermatitis?
An infection caused by a Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is often seen in people with atopic dermatitis. It is referred to as eczema impetigo.
Who Is Most at Risk for Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is mostly seen in people with blood relatives having the same condition. Some research studies suggest a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis in non-Hispanic Black people and females.
Our dermatologist specialist provides world-class eczema treatment in Bangalore. If you are suffering from itchy eczema, contact the experts at Dr. Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic to minimize flare-ups and achieve a healthy disease free skin!
