Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema or better known as eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes itching. This itching is usually accompanied by red, cracked skin. Symptoms of atopic eczema tend to reappear and then disappear and can last for a long time.
Compared to adults, children are more susceptible to atopic eczema. Atopic eczema usually improves as the child gets older.
Symptoms of Atopic Eczema
Symptoms of atopic eczema can vary from person to person. However, this condition generally causes symptoms such as:
- Itchy.
- Dry skin.
- The skin looks a bit wrinkled.
- Red patches in itchy areas.
- The skin is thickened, cracked, or scaly.
- Skin is sensitive and swollen when scratched.
Causes of Atopic Eczema
The cause of atopic eczema is not known for certain. However, this condition is often experienced by someone who has allergies. In addition, atopic eczema can also be inherited in families. Atopic eczema can also occur together with other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
Symptoms of atopic eczema are often triggered by various things, such as soap, detergent, stress and weather. In children, food allergies are often the trigger.
Risk Factors for Atopic Eczema
Although the cause of atopic eczema is not known for certain, there are a number of factors that often trigger it, such as:
- Scratching the skin so that the skin becomes injured or irritated.
- Dry skin.
- Bacterial and viral infections.
- Hot weather and changes in humidity levels.
- Body sweat.
- Solvents, cleaners, soaps and detergents.
- Foods such as eggs, milk, nuts, soybeans, and fish.
- Dust and pollen.
- Cigarette smoke and air pollution.
- Clothing, blankets or carpets made of wool.
Diagnosis of Atopic Eczema
Doctors need to examine the skin condition and also review medical history to diagnose atopic eczema. No special medical tests are needed to diagnose this condition. Next, a skin test ( patch test ) will be performed to determine the factors that trigger it or worsen the existing symptoms.
Atopic Eczema Treatment
Without requiring special treatment, half of atopic eczema cases will disappear on their own. Atopic eczema usually disappears when the child is over 10 years old. Atopic eczema treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and managing eczema, such as:
- Avoid scratching and avoid triggering factors.
- Use moisturizer to treat dry skin
- Using topical corticosteroids to reduce swelling, redness, and itching during flare-ups.
Complications of Atopic Eczema
People with atopic eczema are at risk of developing further physical and psychological problems due to the symptoms they cause. Some conditions that can occur due to atopic eczema are:
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Bacterial infection
Atopic eczema can cause cracked skin, which increases the risk of bacteria entering the cracks in the skin. The risk is further increased when you scratch it.
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Virus infection
Skin with eczema is also at risk of infection with the herpes simplex virus, which usually causes cold sores. This condition can then develop into eczema herpeticum.
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Psychological problems
In addition to affecting physically, atopic eczema can also affect psychologically. Children with atopic eczema tend to have behavioral problems such as hyperactivity than other children. They also tend to be more dependent on their parents.
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Bullying
Children with atopic eczema are also at risk of being teased or bullied. Any type of bullying can be a traumatic event for a child.
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Sleep problems
The intense itching caused by atopic eczema can cause sleep problems. This is because the itching usually increases at night. Lack of sleep can ultimately affect a person’s mood and behavior.
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Lowering self-confidence
Atopic eczema can affect the self-confidence of both adults and children.
Atopic Eczema Prevention
There are a number of tips to prevent flares or recurrences, namely:
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. You can use creams, ointments, and lotions to maintain moisture. Make sure the products you choose are safe and suitable for your skin type.
- Identify eczema triggers so you can avoid them. Some common triggers for eczema are sweat, stress, obesity, soap, detergent, dust, pollen, dairy products, and seafood.
- Try not to take a shower for too long, just 10-15 minutes. Use plain water or warm water, not hot water.
- Choose a soap product that is gentle and does not contain ingredients that can irritate.
- Dry yourself carefully. After bathing, pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer.
