Make Your Skin Happy!
Avoiding the Triggers of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is a common chronic skin disease. People with atopic dermatitis tend to have dry, itchy, easily irritated skin.
Many things can make the itch and rash of atopic dermatitis worse. These are different for each person. Ask your doctor about what makes your itching or rash worse. Irritants, extremes of temperature and humidity, allergies, emotions, and stress can worsen itching and rash. Infections and extremely dry skin also can be a problem.
Almost everyone with atopic dermatitis has had itchy skin at some time. It is not known why skin feels itchy. What is known is that scratching or rubbing leads to even itchier skin. This is called the itch-scratch cycle. Scratching and rubbing irritates the skin and can cause or worsen the rash. Over time, scratching and rubbing may cause thickening of the skin.
To help stop the itch-scratch cycle, keep fingernails very short, smooth, and clean to prevent damage from scratching. Apply moisturizer when you feel itchy, instead of scratching or rubbing. Use medicines prescribed by your doctor, and keep hands busy.
Things that cause burning, itching, or redness are called irritants. Chemicals, solvents, soaps, detergents, fragrances, ingredients in skin care products, some fabrics, and smoke are things you may need to avoid. Your doctor may recommend special patch testing to see if products you use or are exposed to may be causing an allergic skin reaction.
Scratching and rubbing irritates the skin
and can cause or worsen the rash.
To prevent irritation, wash all new clothes before wearing. Formaldehyde and other irritating chemicals are present in new clothing. Wear cotton or cotton-blend clothing that may be less irritating than other fabrics. Remove labels if they bother you. If seams cause itching, try wearing clothes inside out while at home. Avoid wool and irritating fabrics. Use fragrance-free, dye-free liquid detergent, if laundry detergent is irritating to you. A second rinsing may help remove residual laundry detergent.
Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. If your sunscreen is irritating, try different products or sunscreens made for the face.
Shower or bathe after swimming or using a hot tub. Use a mild cleanser for sensitive skin to remove chemicals, and apply moisturizer afterward.
Temperature and Humidity
Extremes of temperature and humidity can be a problem for people with atopic dermatitis. Sweating caused by overheating and high humidity can irritate the skin. Low humidity causes water to be lost from the skin. This can lead to dryness and skin irritation. Try to keep your surroundings at a comfortable temperature and humidity. Wear loose fitting, open-weave clothing during hot weather and exercise.
If you have a reaction to something you touch, breathe, or eat, you might have an allergy. Allergies can trigger or worsen your atopic dermatitis symptoms. Common allergens are dust mites, furry and feathered animals, cockroaches, pollens, molds, foods, and chemicals.
Many measures can be taken to avoid things to which you are allergic. Talk with your doctor about what measures you can take to avoid your allergens.
Food Allergies may be the cause of itching or rash that occurs immediately after eating, especially in children. Some common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, nuts, soy, and seafood. Most people are allergic to only one, two, or at the most, three foods. Positive allergy tests do not always indicate clinical allergy. An allergy specialist can help sort this out. Food challenges may need to be done under medical supervision. Be aware that diet restrictions can lead to poor nutrition and growth delay in babies and children, so talk with your doctor about maintaining a well-balanced diet.
Emotions and Stress
While emotions and stress do not cause atopic dermatitis, they may bring on itching and scratching. Anger, frustration, and embarrassment can cause flushing and itching. Day-to-day stresses as well as major stressful events can lead to or worsen the itch-scratch cycle.
To better cope, learn as much as you can about your disease and how to manage it. Allow family members and friends to be supportive. Learn coping and relaxation skills. Ask your doctor if you need help dealing with emotions and stress.
Skin infections are often a problem for people with atopic dermatitis. Infectious organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) are often present in higher than normal numbers on the skin. Skin that has been scratched or has a rash is more easily infected. Signs of skin infection include increased redness, pus-filled bumps or oozing, and cold sores or fever blisters.
Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection. Follow your doctor’s action plan to treat the infection.
Source: National Jewish Health, www.nationaljewish.org
This article was originally published in Coping® with Allergies & Asthma magazine, Winter 2010-2011.