Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Specialist Dr. Nazan Tökmeci, who stated that atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin disease caused by impaired barrier functions of the skin due to genetic, environmental and immunological factors, said, “Although it is frequently seen in children, it can also be seen in adulthood. It is important for these patients to avoid excessive heat, humidity, irritants, chemicals, allergens, infections that increase their complaints and to moisturize their skin very well.”
VM Medical Park Mersin Hospital Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Specialist Dr. Nazan Tökmeci made statements about the things that atopic dermatitis (eczema) patients should pay attention to in the summer months.
Giving information about eczema, Uzm. Dr. Tökmeci said, “Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin disease caused by genetic, environmental and immunological factors and impaired barrier functions of the skin. It is characterized by recurrent dryness, itching and eczema on the skin. Although it is frequently seen in children, it can also be seen in adults. It is an important health problem that disrupts the patient's night sleep, school success, social activities and quality of life.”
“Hot weather leads to increased itching”
Addressing what patients should pay attention to, Uzm. Dr. Tökmeci said, “It is important for these patients to avoid excessive heat, humidity, irritants, chemicals, allergens, infections that increase their complaints and to moisturize their skin very well. The complaints of our patients with atopic dermatitis increase in the hot summer months with the effect of sun rays. Hot weather causes dry skin and leads to increased itching. It is very important to protect from the sun and moisturize the skin in these patients. In order to protect from the sun, it is important for our patients not to go out between 10.00-16.00 hours when sunlight is intense, to use hats and sunglasses, and to prefer long-sleeved light-colored clothes.”
“Sunscreen should be used”
Drawing attention to the importance of using sunscreen, Tökmeci said, “Patients should use sunscreen with a 50 protection factor 30 minutes before going out and then repeat every 2 hours. The salty water of the sea and the chlorinated water of the pool can cause dryness and irritation on the skin. It is important for these patients to take a shower with warm water immediately after leaving the sea or pool, not to use washcloth, scrub and soap, to use a hypoallergenic perfume-free cleanser and moisturize their skin with moisturizing cream to maintain the moisture balance of the skin.”
“Wide clothes should be preferred”
Emphasizing that attention should also be paid to the issue of clothing, Tökmeci said, “Since excessive sweating may increase the complaints of patients, it is beneficial for them not to wear synthetic-containing clothes and to prefer 100 percent cotton, wide clothes that do not squeeze the body. In particular, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy and balanced diet, consuming fibrous foods, fruits and vegetables in season, preferring fermented foods and eating a diet rich in Omega-3 will also be very beneficial for the skin health of our patients.”
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