WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
Atopic dermatitis also called AD is the most common type of eczema. It appears as a red, itchy rash normally on the cheeks, arms, and legs. Atopic dermatitis exists with two other allergic conditions; asthma and/or hay fever or who have family members who do, are more likely to develop AD.
WHAT CAUSES ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
A combination of genetics and environmental factors are involved. When something triggers the immune system, the skin cells don’t behave like they should, causing the skin to flare up. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. You or Your child cannot “catch” it from another person, or give it someone else.
WHAT DOES ATOPIC DERMATITIS LOOK LIKE?
- Dry, scaly skin
- Redness
- Itching
- Cracks behind the ears
- A rash on the cheeks, arms and/or legs
- Open, crusted or “Weepy” sores (usually during flare-ups)
WHAT CAN MAKE ATOPIC DERMATITIS WORSE?
- Dry skin which can easily become brittle, scaly and tight
- Irritants – everyday products or substances (hand and dishwashing soaps, bubble bath, and body wash, or surface cleaners and disinfectants) that can cause your skin to burn and itch, or become dry and red
- Stress – Emotional stress can cause a person’s atopic dermatitis to flare up or get worse
- Hot/cold temps and sweating can lead to itchy skin symptoms from the heat and/or sweating and very dry skin can develop during the cold winter
- Infection from bacteria and viruses that live in your environment (like staph, herpes, or certain types of fungi)
- Allergens – everyday materials in the environment like seasonal pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold
- Hormones – flare-ups may happen, especially in women, when certain hormones in the body increases or decreases
GENERAL TIPS TO HELP KEEP THE SKIN SOFT:
- Establish a daily skincare routine focused on bathing and moisturizing, Be sure not to miss treatments and adapt your routine to address any changes in your atopic dermatitis.
- Identify your atopic dermatitis triggers, including stress, Recognize stressful situations and events and learn to avoid or cope with them by using techniques for stress management, You may do this on your own, or with the help of your doctor or psychologist.
- Be mindful of scratching and rubbing and limit contact with materials or substances that may irritate your skin, Dress in soil, breathable clothing and avoid itchy fabrics like wool that can irritate your skin.
- Remove common, everyday allergens from your home.
TREATMENT FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS:
Depending on the severity of symptoms, atopic dermatitis can be treated with topical medications that are applied to the skin: phototherapy, a form of light treatment immunosuppressant that broadly curbs the immune system: the biologics therapy that targets specific areas of the immune system.
VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS –Â
WHAT ARE VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS?
Many babies are born with “birthmarks” or they develop them after a few weeks of life, They vary from colour, size & shape they are nothing but an increased number of blood vessels in the skin.
WHAT CAUSES VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS?
The causes are not known, They are not inherited and neither are they contagious.
WHAT DO VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS LOOK LIFE?
The most common types are the ones that look like flat stains which may vary from pink to red to hemangiomas, and port wine stains,
MUSCULAR STAINS:
These are a type of birthmark that may appear anywhere on the body as light red. Flat marks, Muscular stains are the most common type of vascular (developing from blood vessels).
Dr. Pravin Banodkar, Consultant Dermatology & Cosmetology, SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai