What causes atopic dermatitis?
The exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood, but research suggests atopic dermatitis may be linked to genetic and family factors, or may occur in people with other autoimmune or allergic conditions.
In addition, there are also triggering factors or factors that can make the condition worse, such as: exposure to chemicals (paint, plastic, etc.), pollen, dust and smoke; exposure to allergy-triggering factors (wearing thick or overly tight clothing, bathing in water that is too hot, sitting too close to a heater); allergies to certain soaps, perfumes, or animal fur; abnormal weather changes (sudden shifts from hot to cold or cold to hot, overly dry, windy, or extremely cold weather); and viral infections or certain bacterial infections.
What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis presents with a wide variety of manifestations, but the following are the most common symptoms (depending on age and disease stage):
Dry skin
Rough, sensitive skin, swollen from scratching
Thickened, cracked, and scaly skin
Numerous red rashes on the skin surface with tiny blisters; when these blisters break, they release fluid causing erosive inflammation, particularly on the face, skin folds, around the mouth, wrists, elbows, and ankles, and rashes may even appear all over the body.
Itching can be particularly severe, especially at night, causing children difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality.
What complications can atopic dermatitis cause?
Complications of atopic dermatitis can include:
Kaposi's varicelliform eruption (eczema herpeticum): A superinfection syndrome in which the patient's body develops numerous blisters and experiences fatigue and high fever.
Chronic itching and skin peeling: Frequent scratching of itchy areas causes the skin to thicken and harden, and may even lead to bleeding and skin infection.
Irritant contact dermatitis: Common in people who frequently come into contact with chemicals such as soap, strong detergents, or disinfectants.
Sleep problems: Continuous itching and scratching greatly affect the patient's sleep, reducing quality of life (sleep disorders, changes in behavior, increased irritability, withdrawal, etc.)
Scarring: Scarring is an unavoidable consequence of continuously scratching the skin. Scratches on the skin surface allow bacteria to invade easily, multiply, and spread infection, destroying the epidermal structure and impairing its ability to recover. At this point, the skin forms scars that are very difficult to fade, and may even become permanent.
How to prevent atopic dermatitis?
To prevent and treat atopic dermatitis, patients should follow these measures:
Appropriate skin care: use moisturizing creams, shampoos, or soaps that do not irritate the skin, bathe in warm water for a limited time, gently pat the skin dry without rubbing, and wear soft, breathable clothing.
Avoid triggering factors: identify and avoid factors that cause allergies or skin irritation, such as dust, pollen, animal fur, chemicals, harsh weather, etc.
Use medication as directed by a specialist: this may include topical medications or systemic oral medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching.
Use moisturizers to soften the skin
Control itching and superinfection: keep fingernails short, wear gloves while sleeping to prevent scratching that damages the skin; use wet dressings or moist compresses on affected areas; if there are signs of skin infection such as pus, swelling, pain, or fever, see a doctor for antibiotic prescription.
According to Dr. Cao Thi Nu, a dermatologist at the HIU Hospital Multi-specialty Clinic, "It is important to recognize the early signs so that treatment can be addressed promptly." Patients should see a doctor as soon as symptoms such as dry, itchy, red, or peeling skin appear. If atopic dermatitis recurs frequently or shows signs of infection such as pustules, ulcers, or warm, swollen skin, patients should consult a dermatologist for proper advice and treatment.
"To prevent atopic dermatitis, everyone should maintain daily skin moisturizing, use gentle cleansing products, and limit exposure to irritating factors. In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, also helps improve skin condition," Dr. Nu said.
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that is difficult to cure completely, but it can be controlled with appropriate prevention and treatment measures. Patients should follow their doctor's advice and take proper care of their skin to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.