Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin disease that causes significant discomfort. The dry and itchy skin can make life difficult for those who suffer from the condition. Hence, this article will discuss everything one needs to know about atopic dermatitis. It will discuss AD’s symptoms, triggers, and management. Therefore, this information is vital to help manage the condition if you or anyone you know has atopic dermatitis.

What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can cause intense itching and inflammation. It is most prevalent in children but can arise at any age. It often runs in families and may be aggravated by environmental factors such as stress, cold weather, and harsh chemicals. It can also be debilitating, causing immense physical discomfort and psychological distress. Flares (episodes of intense symptoms) are common with atopic dermatitis. However, remission (when the symptoms are milder than usual) usually lasts for several months but can last for years in some cases.

Symptoms
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you likely have atopic dermatitis (AD).
AD is a chronic skin condition that can be highly frustrating, as it often involves recurring episodes of eczema or dermatitis involving both dry and wet phases. Additionally, your skin becomes red, swollen, or tender when you scratch or rub it. You may also experience recurrent bacterial infections in your skin.

And finally, you find it challenging to tolerate clothing made from synthetic materials. If you have AD, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes
There are many different causes of atopic dermatitis, and it is often a complex combination of factors that leads to the condition. The most important factor is a weakened immune system, which can be caused by mutations or exposure to certain environmental things. This weakened state makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
Exposure to certain things, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander, can trigger an allergic reaction in people with atopic dermatitis. This can result in soreness and itching of the skin. Other contributing factors include dry skin, stress, allergies, and hormonal changes.

Complications associated with it
Skin infections
People with AD are more likely than others to get bacterial or fungal infections on their skin. These infections can cause intense itching, swelling, redness, and pain.

Hand dermatitis
The hands are often the first place where symptoms of AD show up. Hands affected by hand dermatitis may experience redness, scaling, cracking, tenderness, or warmth.

Scaly skin
It occurs when the oil glands on the surface of the skin become overactive and produce excessive amounts of sebum (a type of sweat). This oily secretion can cause thick scales to form on top of the affected area, which often leads to discomfort and embarrassment.

Allergic dermatitis
It is an inflammation caused by contact with allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or latex proteins. Allergies can trigger an immune response in individuals who are susceptible to them, leading to swelling and redness around areas where exposure has occurred.

Food allergies
These occur when someone’s body reacts badly to certain foods – for example, peanuts – even if they have never had any problems eating those foods before.

How to prevent atopic dermatitis?

Daily showering helps remove dirt and oils from the skin, which can aggravate symptoms. Use a nonsoap cleanser that is gentle enough for everyday use and won’t strip away essential moisture needed for healthy skin.

Dry your skin thoroughly after showering or bathing. Wringing excess water with a towel rather than letting it run off your body will help reduce moisture levels and promote healthy skin hydration. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing; this will minimize friction and increase air circulation on your skin.

Apply moisturizer liberally every day. A good rule of thumb is to use enough cream or lotion not to feel sticky when you touch your skin. Avoid using heavy creams, which can lead to excessive oil production on the surface of your skin and exacerbate symptoms.

Avoid exposing yourself unnecessarily to allergens. Avoid going outside during the pollen season (spring through fall) while wearing clothes made from woolen materials.

Triggers for atopic dermatitis

Stress
People with AD often experience increased levels of anxiety and stress. This can lead to an increase in the production of sweat and oil on the skin.

Dry skin
People with AD often have dry skin that becomes more sensitive to the effects of moisture loss, and it can be challenging to keep the skin clean and free from infection.

Cold weather
Exposure to cold temperatures can trigger inflammation in people with AD.

Exposure to chemicals
Many standard household products contain ingredients that may contribute directly or indirectly to AD development.

Skin infection
A skin infection can increase your risk of developing AD because it increases your exposure to allergens. However, if you have an existing allergy or if you develop an infection near one of your allergies, this will be a significant trigger for AD.

Pollen
Exposure to pollen can also cause AD because it increases your sensitivity to allergens and causes inflammation in the skin.

Wool fabric
Wool fabrics are especially problematic as they contain lanolin, a substance that acts as a moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory agent.

Fragrances
Many scents contain chemicals that can irritate and inflame sensitive areas such as the nose, eyes, lips, or ears. These chemicals may also activate allergic responses in people with atopic dermatitis.

Management of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are ways to manage the condition and minimize its impact on your life. One crucial way to do this is by identifying and avoiding triggers that can worsen your symptoms.

There are many potential triggers for atopic dermatitis flares, and what works for one person may not work for another. So if you need to figure out what your triggers are, keep a journal of when you experienced flares and what was happening in your life then.