Stating that there is no definitive treatment for atopic eczema, which flares up in spring and autumn due to the change in weather conditions, Dermatology Specialist Dr. Nevzat Mazmanoğlu said, “You need to learn to live with the disease. You should stay away from allergens, sulfate soaps and shampoos, synthetic clothing. You should remove items such as carpets and pillows that collect dust.”
Giving important information about the disease called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, which causes dryness and flaking of the skin tissue and itching, Acıbadem Bodrum Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Nevzat Mazmanoğlu said that the disease is more common especially during seasonal transitions. Stating that atopic dermatitis is a rotating disease in terms of complaints, Dr. Mazmanoğlu said, “In other words, it progresses with remission (recovery) and exacerbation. It is often seen together with diseases such as allergic bronchial asthma, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis and urticaria (hives). In some cases, it is observed only in childhood, while sometimes it lasts a lifetime.”
Stating that atopic dermatitis is very common, Dr. Mazmanoğlu pointed out that the incidence of atopic dermatitis is 10 to 20 percent in children and 1 to 3 percent in adults, and that this rate has tripled in industrialized countries in the last 20-30 years.
“There are three reasons for exacerbation of symptoms”
Stating that there are 3 reasons for the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis complaints, Dr. Mazmanoğlu said, “Dry skin is more sensitive, thin and prone to damage, which allows various allergens, including toxins, to penetrate and thus allergens easily penetrate the body. In short, if allergens or certain environmental conditions are present in the environment, the immune system overreacts and dry skin results in atopic skin and itching.” Stating that the second cause is an excessive immune response to a specific allergen and that it is necessary to identify this allergen, Dr. Mazmanoğlu stated that the third cause is psychological; anxiety, fear and worries cause increasing itching, hypersensitivity and skin irritation.
“Itching can be enough to wake babies from sleep”
Dr. Mazmanoğlu informed that atopic dermatitis usually affects folds such as the front of the elbows, back of the knees, neck, eyelids, face, wrists, hands and tops of the feet. Stating that the disease is divided into 3 clinical forms according to age, Dr. Mazmanoğlu said, “In the infant form seen in children under 1 year of age, lesions that start as prominent rashes on the cheeks, forehead and chin begin to spread to the trunk, arms and legs after a while. Babies are restless due to itching and are often awakened from sleep. In the form seen in kindergarten and school-age children, it usually appears in the anterior folds of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, hands and feet. In 80 percent of children, the disease disappears by about seven years of age. In adults, it either persists from childhood or may flare up in adulthood. In adults, involvement of the upper eyelid is usually prominent. However, the face, lips, neck, palms and soles of the feet can also be affected.”
“Use sulfate-free shampoo for your children”
Speaking about the role of genetics, Dr. Mazmanoğlu stated that when one of the parents has any allergic disease, the risk of developing atopic eczema in the child is 20 to 40 percent. “The most effective prevention method in these children is to use sulfate-free soap, shampoo and fabric softener from birth. Sulfates, which are used to make the products foam and clean the skin better, destroy the already damaged skin barrier and do not allow successful treatment. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged baths in very hot or cold water. Drying should be done only by applying the towel to the skin, avoiding any friction to prevent the formation of microscopic particles.”
“You need to learn to live with the disease”
Emphasizing that there is no definitive treatment for atopic dermatitis today and the importance of learning to live with this disease, Dr. Mazmanoğlu said, “Treatment is completely individual. The type of treatment that works in one patient may not be equally effective in another patient. Local treatment is divided into two as acute and chronic according to the stage of the disease. Specialist dermatologist examination is essential and their recommendations should be taken into consideration.”
“Carpets and bedding contain allergens”
Underlining that allergens are an important risk factor, Dr. Mazmanoğlu recommended avoiding allergens that are usually stored in carpets, bedding and pets and also using air purifiers. Dr. Mazmanoğlu said, “Frequent vacuuming should be done, items such as carpets and pillows that collect dust and allergens should be removed; smoking and stove smoke should also be avoided. It is important that windows and doors are open while the vacuum cleaner is running. While cotton clothes are recommended, fleece, wool and synthetic clothes should be avoided.”
Referring to the role of nutrition, Dr. Mazmanoğlu suggested that atopic eczema patients should avoid dairy products, eggs, fish, nuts, acidic, fermented foods, soy, chocolate and irritating fruits and vegetables. Probiotics, Omega-3 oils, vitamin C and zinc supplements strengthen the skin and immunity; breastfeeding is also protective against allergies in children.
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241104AW321934
