Ī group of researchers in India looked at 148 adult patients with atopic dermatitis who followed a hypoallergenic diet for three weeks and found significant improvement in parameters of atopic dermatitis. They also found a protective effect with high fruit consumption. Researchers from the International Study of Allergies and Asthma in Childhood (ISAAC)a large multicounty, multiphase cross-sectional studyfound a positive correlation between severe eczema and fast food consumption three or more times per week in children (6-7 years) and adolescents (13-14 years). One study looking at maternal adherence to a Mediterranean diet and infant wheeze and atopic dermatitis in the first year of life did not find any correlation. Indeed, there is strong evidence that this dietary approach can positively affect other systemic inflammatory conditions, but research looking at anti-inflammatory diets in people with eczema is limited. While it seems to make sense that following an anti-inflammatory diet would help minimize the effects of an inflammatory condition of the skin, there have been few studies looking specifically at this issue. Caution should be taken with personal care products that contain fragrances because these can be irritating. Specific brands include Dove, Earth Friendly, Pears natural glycerin soap, Clearly Natural glycerin soap, and South of France glycerin soap. Specific products that can be purchased over the counter include Aveeno Eczema Therapy, Cetaphil, Curel, and CeraVe. Creams that contain ceramides (which are deficient in eczematous skin) can be especially helpful. A good rule is to look for an emollient that is scooped from a tub or squeezed from a tube (a cream or ointment). Generous amounts of thick cream or ointment should be applied to the skin immediately after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp. Both frequency and duration of bathing should be limited, and the lowest water temperature tolerable should be used. This begins with minimizing contact with irritantsincluding hot water. The fact that stress worsens symptoms of atopic dermatitis can result in a downward spiral with stress from the atopic dermatitis worsening the flare, which can worsen stress.Īdequate skin hydration is the most basic aspect of care for both the prevention of eczema flares and for treatment of active disease. People with atopic dermatitis have been found to have a significantly decreased quality of life and self-esteem, as well as increased sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. The superficial cutaneous nervous system in people who have atopic dermatitis is hyper-reactive as well, and people with atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience the sensation of itch.Īlong with the physical symptoms of this condition, atopic dermatitis carries a significant emotional burden. They also have an increased risk of developing skin infections due to bacteria, viruses, and fungus. People with eczema have problems with their skin barrier, which puts them at risk for increased evaporation of moisture from the skin and decreased ability to maintain skin moisture. Family history (especially maternal history) is a strong predictive risk factor, but there appear to be many environmental factors as well, including insufficient exposure to microorganisms in early childhood and excessive exposure to airborne pollution. There are many factors at play in the development of eczema. Heat and perspiration are the most common offenders with wool and emotional stress close behind. People with eczema typically have a lower tolerance for skin irritants. Childhood and adult eczema tends to affect the flexural areas and is characterized by more chronic inflammation with dry, scaly, thickened skin. In infants, the face and extensors are typically involved. Eczema is grouped into three age categories: infantile, childhood, and adult. Atopic dermatitis appears increasingly common and is more prevalent in developed countries and in urban locations. It affects 5%-20% of the childhood population around the world. VA Software Documentation Library (VDL)Ītopic dermatitis is a chronic and relapsing dermatitis that typically shows up during infancy or early childhood.Clinical Trainees (Academic Affiliations).War Related Illness & Injury Study Center.
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