How to treat atopic eczema without corticoids?
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Loading... - DANNY JONES
- 13 May 2022
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The name of the disease already indicates its complexity. There are two common ones in us: atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis. In German and English-speaking countries, this type of skin inflammation is called "neurodermatitis". The picture of the disease is different depending on the age of the patient. We do not see it to such an extent with practically any disease, writes the professional magazine Derma.
The disease was first named and clinically described in 1808 by the English physician Robert Willan, a famous physician who considered himself the founder of dermatology as a separate medical department. He derived the term "eczema" from the Greek word "eczema", which refers to something that penetrates the surface, in this case the surface of the skin. He derived the term "atopic" from the Greek "atopos", which means "strange, unusual."
There are several different views on what group of atopic eczema to include. Many believe it is a skin disease, others insist on an autoimmune disease. In principle, both are true. Atopic eczema is a genetic disease that results in the body's immune response, which is characterized by its side effects on the skin.
"It is a very common disease, which is estimated to occur in 10-20% of children and 1-3% of adults," says dermatologist MUDr. Pavel Konrád from ÄŒernošíc in the Czech Republic. "In industrialized countries, the incidence of eczema has tripled in the last three decades and is often accompanied by allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, hives and the like." This is called atopic syndrome.
Beware of foaming agents
According to the Czech dermatologist, one of the very risk factors for atopic eczema are foaming agents (so-called sulphates) - sodium lauryl sulphate (SLE) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) in soaps and shampoos. Sulphates from these common cleansers destroy the already damaged skin barrier. They contain practically all common detergents. Therefore, only sulphate-free antiseptics are recommended for atopic hygiene.
It is recommended to limit the baths in hot and cold water, it is advisable to shower with lukewarm water, which does not exceed five minutes. Wiping is recommended only by applying a towel to the skin, not rubbing it, so that one does not create additional microscopic cracks on the skin that can ignite.
Examination by a dermatologist, but also by an allergist
Another risk factor is allergens, which need to be protected from. It is important to exclude them from living quarters, where they are most often hidden in carpets, duvets and pets. Mites, dust, pollen, feathers, bacteria and other aggressive substances are common provocative factors. Special nanofiber duvet covers are recommended to prevent mites from penetrating in both directions. It is recommended to use air purifiers in atopic homes.
Various forms of food allergies are also known. Atopics are usually not advised to eat dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts, sour, fermenting foods, soy, chocolate, and irritating vegetables and fruits. However, these are only recommendations, because food allergy is highly specific and these allergens need to be individualized so that the patient does not unnecessarily avoid something to which he is not allergic. A patient with atopic eczema should definitely be examined by an allergist, not just a dermatologist. Read More…
