Atopic Dermatitis in Children
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In dermatology xerosis we define what we commonly call 'dry skin'. A particular form is that found in elderly patients, who are unable, for the age, to synthesise in a correct lipids, have an increase of transepidermiche losses of water that cause dry skin, wrinkled and that cause itching. As we explain our expert in Dermatology , in infants, however, the most frequent cause of dry skin is atopic dermatitis, which is a genetic disease caused by the alteration of the formation of the skin barrier (the skin is not able to generate the glue that holds together the cells)
What are the main symptoms of xerosis?
The main symptom that produces xerosis, dry skin, is itching. This causes the person to scratch, why are formed lesions, erosions, or self-inflicted wounds. Just these wounds may lead to the formation of eczema, inflammations, dermatitis in areas where there is scratch and, therefore, of the lesions infections. When a patient scratch in an excessive way the same area of the skin because of itching, the skin generates a self defense mechanism called lichenification, which worsens, in fact, the state of the skin and creates a vicious cycle. It is evident that it is important to eliminate this vicious circle in which a patient does not stop to warn itching and, therefore, scratching.
Atopic dermatitis affects children frequently?
The atopic dermatitis that appears in children is a disease that in the past 30 years has a higher incidence in several countries, especially the industrialized ones. The reason that affects mainly during childhood is linked to genetic reasons for which the organism of affected individuals is not able to synthesize the skin properly, it will work as a barrier against external agents. Generally atopic dermatitis can riscontrarla in 10-20% of infants, especially in the first years of life, while in adults the incidence is reduced.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis
The treatment of dry skin is simple: 'hydration. We should not hydrate or treat the skin only when they arise eczema, inflammation or dermatitis but we must keep hydrated at all times of our lives, even with the help of specific products for the hygiene. When dermatitis is already at an advanced stage (desquamation) it is necessary to use specific ointments for the treatment cortisone.