Atopy means an individual’s inherited tendency to develop allergic reactions in life. The most common are conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, asthma, hives and eczema.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and is the most common skin disorders seen in children. Affects 10-20% of the population, with a gradual rise in recent years. Most cases under the age of 1 year begins and symptoms usually get better at puberty. A small percentage of cases will have symptoms for life.

Atopic dermatitis symptoms? Distinguish three stages of the disease in affected individuals according to age:

1. Infantile atopic dermatitis (under 2 years) is manifested by papules and exudative blistering, intensely itchy, localized on the face, the limb. The baby cry a lot and often wakes up at night.
2. Eczema child (2-12 years) lesions become less exudative and the skin may thicken as a result of persistent scratching, especially on the flections (knees, elbows, ankles). Disease associated with dry skin, very itchy.
3. Adult atopic dermatitis (12 years), the predominant location of lesions are on the face and flections. Since this age, affected individuals can associate also other allergic diseases: allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, asthma.

How to treat atopic dermatitis? Being a chronic disease, atopic dermatitis can not be cured but can be treated and improved during acute phase. Most cases tend progressive spontaneous improvement.

* Breastfeeding up to 6-7 months, is one of the best ways to prevent the occurrence of atopic dermatitis, the beginning of diversification should be avoided until the age of 1 year, foods with allergenic potential are strawberries, eggs meat, fish.
* The shower, and its duration will be no longer than 10 minutes. Avoid hot water, only cleaning products specifically for dry skin, with high oil or glycerin and preferably scentless. After the shower, drying is done by dabbing with a towel, not friction.
* Avoid scratching whenever possible. For this purpose nails will be cut short to prevent scratching and skin infections.
* Avoid synthetic materials and irritants, cotton clothing is recommended also clothe dyes are potential allergens.
* Ambient temperature should be as cool, as excessive heat and dry air favors the itching.
* Avoid cigarette smoke, which increases the risk of developing allergic respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis and asthma.
* Treatment with oral antihistamines is useful in reducing pruritus, thus interrupting the vicious cycle of disease.
* Sun exposure has a favorable effect on acute outburst.