Atopic dermatitis is a commonly seen skin disease that affects more than 60% of the world population. The name of the skin disease can be appropriately translated as – ‘inflammation of the skin'. Though the disease has its roots to hereditary factors, anyone can get infected with it.

You should consult with a doctor when there are rashes or any change in the skin colour with an itchy feeling. In some people there will be swelling, minute blisters, cracking, weeping or scale formation. A person can get infected with this disease at any age. However, the infection is commonly found in infants and young children.

Main causes

Doctors have the opinion that lack of certain proteins in the skin is one of the root causes for atopic dermatitis. When skin does not have required amount of proteins, it will become sensitive and leading to long-term inflammation and redness. People with seasonal allergies or asthma are the common victims of the skin disease. Though it is not allergies that pave way for the skin disease, but allergic conditions trigger the conditions that are favourable for the skin infection.  

Some of the conditions that can worsen the skin disease includes dry skin, cold and flu, stress and emotions, dust and pollen allergies, contact with chemicals or rough materials, and sudden temperature variations.

Symptoms

Scaly skin, changes in the skin colour, ear discharge, rashes on elbow, shoulders, neck and hands, lesions on the skin etc are some of the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis. When these symptoms are in its extreme level then it is better to consult with a doctor as early as possible and start proper medication.

Treatment overview

Effective atopic dermatitis treatments are available today. But first and foremost treatment is skin care at home. Some of the helpful atopic dermatitis treatments in home are as follows:-

-Avoid scratching of the rashes. Itchy feeling on the rashes is due to dry skin. So lubricate the skin using any moisturizing cream, petroleum jelly or any type of lotions. But make sure the moisturizer is free from alcohol, fragrance, dyes etc. All these can make the skin condition even worse.

- If a kid has the skin infection, then cut his nails and put gloves on his hands, if possible. This will avoid him from scratching the skin and making the infection more complicated.

- Avoid contact with things that cause allergy. When someone have food allergy, some will be allergic towards chemicals, detergents and certain clothe materials. By keeping allergic things at a bay you can avoid skin infection up to an extent.

-Use of mild soap for bathing and cleaning can avoid dryness of skin. Short cool water bath is better than long hot water baths. Again, use of any moisturizing cream after bathing can keep skin well aerated and oily.

When skin condition gets worse irrespective of home care then atopic dermatitis treatments prescribed by doctors should be the next step. Creams like cortisone are given for first time visiting patients. Sometimes doctors prescribe strong steroid medicines as part of atopic dermatitis treatment if the skin condition is far worse than expected. Everyone dreams for a smooth, glowing and silky skin. A little care can bring upbeat results.