Atopic Dermatitis: How To Cure Eczema Permanently?
Overview
Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disorder where the skin becomes discolored and itchy. It is also commonly known as Eczema. It can affect any person and mostly begins at an early age or in childhood. Atopic Dermatitis is a type of Dermatitis that only affects the outer skin and can be a result of imbalanced hormones, genetics, or many other factors. So, if you are wondering how to cure Eczema permanently, then you might not get a satisfying answer, as atopic Dermatitis is a chronic condition and is not entirely curable.
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However, with proper care and medication, one can effectively manage the symptoms and flare-ups. The condition can be controlled with a balanced lifestyle and medication such as corticosteroid creams and antihistamine medicines. So, if you want to know more about atopic Dermatitis, keep reading. Here, we will cover everything you must know about this dermatitis type, including what it is, symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic condition (skin disorder) that causes itchy skin. It makes skin dry, scaly, and often discolored. Atopic dermatitis flare-ups come and go off but cannot be healed completely. It may only appear in childhood or remain the entire life.
The marks of atopic Dermatitis in darker skin may look like brown, gray, and purple patches, and on light-colored skin, they appear as red rashes. People with this skin condition can use atopic dermatitis treatment cream to soothe itchy skin.
People often use the term Eczema to describe atopic Dermatitis, but it is not correct technically. Eczema is an umbrella term that describes a broad group of skin conditions, including atopic Dermatitis. So, atopic Dermatitis is not Eczema but a type of Eczema indeed.
Symptoms of atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that primarily causes dry, flaky, and itchy skin. You might wonder how to prevent Eczema permanently.
But this kind of Eczema cannot be treated completely. However, you can manage the condition to lead a regular life if you know the symptoms of atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Below, we will discuss some common symptoms of atopic dermatitis flare-ups-
- Dry skin
- Red, brown, purple, and gray skin rashes.
- Itchy skin.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Crusting or small, fluid-filled bumps on the skin.
- Cracked, flaky, or scaly skin.
- Lesions that can get infected by bacteria or viruses.
Causes and triggers of Dermatitis
Many people wonder how to cure Eczema permanently. The first step is to understand the skin disease. Knowing the causes and triggers of atopic Dermatitis can be helpful in better managing the symptoms of this disease. Here, we will discuss the causes and triggers of atopic Dermatitis.
Family history– The primary reason behind getting affected with this disease is family history. People with a family history of hay fever or asthma are susceptible to get affected by Eczema. Mutation of the gene filaggrin is also responsible for this disease.
Staphylococcus aureus– A harmful bacteria called staphylococcus aureus also negatively affects the skin barrier and causes atopic Dermatitis.
Irritants in the environment- Irritants in the environment, such as bacteria and other harmful allergens, can also make the symptoms of Eczema worse.
Extreme heat- Extreme heat can be uncomfortable for any skin. However, overheating the skin can cause severe symptoms or flare-ups in case of atopic Dermatitis.
Dry weather- Atopic Dermatitis makes the skin barrier vulnerable, taking away the skin’s ability to retain moisturizer. Extreme dry weather can increase itchiness and skin irritations.
Food allergy- Food allergy can increase the complications of Eczema. Doctors usually advise one to avoid food they are allergic to avoid health hazards strictly.
How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
Not all skin itchiness and rashes are caused by atopic Dermatitis. So, if you are searching – how to cure Eczema permanently? You must rule out the other potential causes of your skin condition before a thorough diagnosis.
Like most skin disorder tests, atopic Dermatitis can be diagnosed in three primary steps: Medical history, Physical examination, and Test. Below, we will discuss them in detail-
Medical history – Before the doctor gives you any atopic dermatitis treatment cream or medicine, they will ask for your medical history to ensure that the symptoms you are suffering from are due to atopic Dermatitis and not something else. They may ask about previous medical reports and whether anyone in your family has had atopic Dermatitis.
Physical examination – After the primary observation of your family history of atopic Dermatitis, your physician will most likely observe your physical symptoms to ensure it is atopic Dermatitis. They will examine your skin to look for dry, flaky, and itchy (rashes) skin.
Patch testing – patch testing is the ultimate way to rule out all the possible causes and determine atopic Dermatitis.
Treatments for atopic Dermatitis
Besides, atopic dermatitis treatment cream there are several other medication and treatment options available for managing the symptoms of atopic Dermatitis. Below, we will discuss them in detail-
1. Medication
Medication is the primary and one of the most effective options to heal the symptoms of atopic Dermatitis.
Medicated skincare products – Medicated skincare products such as corticosteroid creams can work effectively on the symptoms of atopic Dermatitis. However, using too much of such medicated cream can cause skin thinning and lymphoma rarely.
Medicine for inflammation – Anti-inflammatory medications such as azathioprine, prednisone, methotrexate, and mycophenolate are used to reduce the inflammation of atopic Dermatitis.
Medicine for infection – atopic dermatitis rashes can also become infectious when they come in contact with any virus. Here, antibiotics work well for preventing infections.
Injectable biologics – Patients with very severe symptoms are often prescribed injectable biologics to control inflammation, rashes, and itchiness.
2. Therapy
Besides medication, there are multiple treatments available for controlling the symptoms of atopic Dermatitis. Here are some of the popular therapies available for atopic Dermatitis-
- Phototherapy – Phototherapy is commonly known as light therapy, where the affected area is exposed to natural light or artificial UVA and UVB in a controlled environment.
- Wet wrap therapy – Wet wraps or wet dressing is also effective in atopic Dermatitis. In severe cases, a wet wrap is placed after applying the medicated ointment on the affected area.
- Behavior modification – Lastly, behavior modification therapy is offered to help patients control their scratching habit, which can worsen the condition.
Home remedies for atopic Dermatitis
Symptoms of atopic Dermatitis can become severe sometimes, where medical attention is necessary. But other times, you can use some home remedies when the symptoms of Eczema are manageable. Here, we will discuss some home remedies for atopic Dermatitis.
Coconut oil- Virgin or cold-pressed coconut can be helpful in moisturizing the affected area of the skin and reducing inflammation.
Sunflower oil– Sunflower oil also increases the protective barrier of your skin and effectively reduces inflammation.
Oatmeal bath– Oatmeal baths are well-known for reducing skin irritations. It can effectively soothe the skin inflammation related to Eczema.
Cardiospermum– One can also use Cardiospermum (a plant extract) as an atopic dermatitis home remedy. It reduces inflammation and itchiness of the skin.
Baking soda bath– Baking soda bath also reduces skin irritations and harmful bacteria on the skin. It can reduce the chances of the affected areas getting infected.
Soap and moisturizer– People with Eczema should use a soap substitute or mild soap for chemicals in ordinary soap to dry out the skin. You must also moisturize your skin with an atopic dermatitis treatment cream right after a bath.
Use a humidifier– Dry air can make your skin feel irritated, especially if you have Eczema. Use a humidifier for healthy skin.
Manage stress– Along with atopic dermatitis medication, managing stress and anxiety is crucial to keep the symptoms in check and avoid flare-ups.
How to avoid atopic dermatitis flare-ups?
Atopic dermatitis self-care tips also include avoiding the triggers. Here are certain things you must avoid to reduce and prevent severe atopic dermatitis symptoms.
- Avoid getting exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Try to stay away from contacting irritants.
- Do not use skin care products with possible irritants and fragrances.
- Avoid scratching on the affected skin. It will leave your skin weeping and vulnerable to getting infected.
- Try to avoid chlorinated swimming pools. However, if your skin comes into contact with chlorinated water, moisturize it properly afterward.
- Do not use cosmetics with harmful chemicals or irritants.
- Avoid overheating your skin. Do not use too many layers of clothing or blankets.
- Try to avoid extreme physical activity during warm weather.
- Do not get exposed to the sun for a long time.
- Do not take a shower for a long time, as this will leave your skin dry.
Conclusion
Atopic Dermatitis is a type of Eczema or chronic skin condition that affects the upper surface of your skin and makes it itchy, dry, and scaly. People with this skin condition often wonder – how to cure Eczema permanently. But the truth is atopic Dermatitis is chronic and non-curable.
However, you can effectively control its symptoms to lead a healthy and everyday life. Above, we have discussed the common symptoms, causes, and triggers of atopic Dermatitis and how to deal with this disease.
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24299-atopic-dermatitis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323493#faq
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/understanding-eczema-treatment
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eczema-atopic-dermatitis
