It refers to inflammation of the skin

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is one of the most common disorders affecting the skin of babies. It generally appears before the age of two. It is characterized by dry skin with red areas, and the child suffers intense itching. It appears as red outbreaks that can occur over many years.

 In the last 30 years, the number of children affected has doubled, impacting between 10 and 15% of the world's child population. Although the number of severe cases has decreased due to more timely treatments of the disease.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is caused by an exaggerated sensitivity to agents present in the environment, which are normally harmless. It is called atopic to distinguish it from allergic contact dermatitis. The latter differs because the skin, healthy under normal conditions, becomes sick when exposed to certain allergens, such as some food allergies. It is a disorder with no cure. However, in 70% of cases, it stops manifesting after adolescence.

It can also affect the diaper area, known as "diaper dermatitis." Contact with feces and urine when using diapers affects this delicate area of the baby’s body, as the baby’s skin is very fragile during the first 12 months. The baby still doesn’t have enough defenses to face the microorganisms present in feces. To protect the baby’s skin in the diaper area, it is important to use a specific ointment to control the damage caused by fecal enzymes.

Origin and causes

The causes that lead to atopic dermatitis can be different:

Genetic: Apparently, family is the most important risk factor. The more close family members affected by atopic dermatitis, the higher the chances of having the disease. It seems to be transmitted mainly through the maternal line.

Irritants: Due to excessively frequent washing with products containing irritating substances. This type of dermatitis is one of the most common and is known as contact dermatitis.

Emotional: The child’s emotions, anxiety, or stress influence the development of this disease.

Visible symptoms of the disease

- The skin appears dry and with red areas where small vesicles appear.

The child suffers from very intense and annoying itching that causes scratching and, consequently, lesions.

- Over time, the skin thickens with visible grooves.

Atopic dermatitis can be accompanied by food intolerances and allergic diseases. It can also cause sleep disorders because the itching is especially intense at night. It may also cause infections due to scratching the lesions.

- Depending on the child’s age, eczema can affect different parts of the body.

- During the first months, it is located on the scalp, cheeks, and flexion areas of the limbs.

- In older children (one, two, or three years), head symptoms partially disappear and appear in the folds of elbows and knees.

Symptoms of other skin diseases, such as ringworm in children or other dermatological problems, should not be confused with symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis

Diagnosis of atopic skin can be made by a pediatrician or a dermatologist. This is done by simply observing the child’s skin and studying their family history to find if there are other cases in the family. Once dermatitis is diagnosed, the child should be under constant monitoring. Periodic visits to the pediatrician or dermatologist will be required. For children with severe eczema, controls should be done every 15 days. For children with mild forms, once or twice a year will suffice.

To treat dermatitis, topical corticosteroid drugs are usually used. However, these medications have some side effects if used for prolonged periods. For example, they can cause thinning of the skin where applied, stretch marks (scratching marks), increased number and size of skin veins, uneven skin, and acne. A good alternative to cortisone are immunomodulators. They are used locally and reduce skin inflammation and itching without causing the side effects of cortisone.

- To relieve itching, antihistamines can be given to the child.

- If skin infections occur, antibiotics should be used.

- Remember that all medications should be prescribed by the pediatrician.