{"id":283,"title":"Atopic Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes and How to Manage It","slug":"atopic-dermatitis-symptoms-causes-and-how-to-manage-it","lang":"en","description":"Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can start in early childhood, but affects people of all ages. For many, it includes periods of…","content":"

Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can start in early childhood, but affects people of all ages.

For many, it includes periods of flare-ups and remissions, and while it can be uncomfortable, there are proven ways to manage the symptoms and reduce how often those flare-ups occur.

What Happens in Atopic Dermatitis

When someone has atopic dermatitis, their skin’s protective barrier is weakened. This allows moisture to escape more easily, leading to dry skin, and makes it easier for irritants and allergens to penetrate. The immune system then responds in an exaggerated way, causing inflammation and itch.

Over time, repeated scratching can further damage the skin, thickening it, creating skin discolouration, or increasing the risk of skin infection.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary between individuals and may include:

Dry or cracked skin that may feel tight or rough.
Persistent itchiness, often severe, which may worsen at night.
Red, brown, or greyish patches of skin depending on skin tone.
Small bumps that may ooze or crust when scratched.
Thickened, leathery texture of skin (especially in long-term cases due to scratching).
Swelling, scaling, or discolouration around joints like elbows or knees.

Triggers and Risk Factors

Certain factors tend to trigger flare-ups or increase risk:

Genetics: Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever raises likelihood.

Environmental factors: Exposure to allergens (dust mites, pet dander, pollen), harsh soaps or detergents, fragrances, temperature changes (hot, cold, or dry air), and sweat.

Skin barrier dysfunction: If the skin doesn’t retain moisture well or loses lipids that help protect it, it becomes more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.

Immune system over-activity: The immune response may overreact to mild irritants or allergens, leading to inflammation.

Other risk factors: Having other allergic conditions (asthma, hay fever), early-life eczema, and sometimes hormonal changes may play a role.

Managing Atopic Dermatitis & Reducing Flares

While atopic dermatitis isn’t curable yet, many people successfully manage symptoms and reduce flare frequency using a combination of strategies:

Moisturize regularly with fragrance-free creams or ointments, ideally while the skin is slightly damp (after bathing). This helps restore the moisture barrier.

Use gentle skin care: mild, soap-free cleansers; avoid long hot showers; pat skin dry rather than rubbing; wear breathable soft fabrics.

Identify and avoid personal triggers: allergens, irritant chemicals, extreme temperatures, stress, or sweat. Keeping a symptom diary can help spot patterns.

Topical treatments: under medical guidance, steroid creams or non-steroid options (like calcineurin inhibitors) may be used during flare-ups. Use as directed, since overuse of strong corticosteroids can have side effects.

Light therapy (phototherapy): For moderate-to-severe cases, controlled exposure to certain ultraviolet light under medical supervision may help.

Lifestyle & emotional health: managing stress, ensuring good sleep, avoiding scratching habits, and getting support when itching disrupts sleep or daily life. Emotional wellbeing can impact flare intensity.

Conclusion

Atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition marked by itchiness, dryness, inflammation, and periodic flare-ups. Although there is no cure, understanding symptoms, identifying triggers, and maintaining a skin-friendly routine can help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

If the condition worsens or becomes unmanageable, professional care can offer additional treatments that make a difference.

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