COMMON MISTAKES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Hello again! Welcome to another entry in the DermControl blog. Today we will be looking at the most common mistakes made in the management of atopic dermatitis.

August has come to an end and with it the return to school and routine. After a summer full of outdoor activities, sun and heat, it is time to prepare ourselves and our children for the return to normality. Especially if you or one of your children suffers from atopic dermatitis, it is important to be aware of some of the mistakes we can inadvertently make when managing this condition.

That’s why we want to tell you about some of the most common mistakes in atopic dermatitis management and how to avoid them. In this way, you and your family can enjoy healthy skin as you return to your daily routine and start the new school year.

COMMON MISTAKES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Do you know what to avoid when treating this condition?

Here are some tips and what to do to properly manage Atopic Dermatitis.

• Use products with irritating ingredients:

One of the most common mistakes people make when treating atopic dermatitis is using skincare products that contain irritating ingredients such as fragrances, dyes or alcohol. These types of ingredients can further dry out the skin and worsen inflammation, leading to more severe flare-ups. It is important for people with atopic dermatitis to use products that have been specifically formulated for sensitive and atopic skin:

What to do: Opt for fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin. One example is DermControl, a cream specifically designed to treat atopic dermatitis, which not only moisturises but also repairs and regenerates the skin thanks to its formula with hyaluronic acid and EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor).

• Not applying moisturizer consistently:

Moisturising is one of the cornerstones of atopic dermatitis management. However, many people only apply moisturiser when they have a flare-up, neglecting the importance of moisturising consistently even when there are no symptoms. This inconsistent moisturising can weaken the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to irritants and triggering new flare-ups.

What to do: It is important to apply the cream at least twice a day, especially after showering or washing hands when the skin is still slightly moist. DermControl, being a highly effective cream, requires a small amount compared to others. Just one drop is enough to keep the skin moisturised for longer.

• Ignoring the importance of proper bathing:

A common mistake is that people with atopic dermatitis should not bathe or shower regularly because of their dry skin. However, the important thing is not to avoid bathing, but to do it the right way. Bathing in water that is too hot or using harsh soaps can make symptoms worse. Prolonged bathing can also strip the skin of its natural oils.

What to do: Opt for short baths or showers with lukewarm, not hot, water and use mild, soap-free cleansers that respect the skin’s pH.

• Failure to treat itching effectively:

Itching is one of the most annoying symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and scratching can make it worse. Scratching can damage the skin, open wounds and increase the risk of infection. It also creates what is known as the ‘vicious itch cycle’, where scratching increases inflammation, which causes more itching.

What to do: Keep your fingernails short to avoid damaging the skin if you accidentally scratch. You can also apply cold compresses to temporarily relieve the itching. In addition, DermControl is designed to provide immediate relief from irritation and itching.

• Discontinuing treatment when symptoms improve:

It is common for people with eczema to stop their treatment when their symptoms improve. However, atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition and although flare-ups may go away temporarily, the skin still needs care to prevent relapses. Stopping treatment too early may cause flare-ups to return with greater severity.

What to do: Continue to use skin care products even if your skin looks clear. These products will help prevent future breakouts and keep the skin barrier strong and healthy.

• Failure to identify and avoid triggers:

Everyone with atopic dermatitis has specific triggers that make their condition worse. Failure to identify these factors is a common mistake that can make flare-ups more frequent and difficult to manage. Triggers can include anything from stress, certain foods, cleaning products, changes in the weather or irritating materials such as wool.

What to do: Keep track of when outbreaks occur and what factors precede them. This will help you identify patterns and avoid these triggers in the future.

• Underestimating the impact of stress:

Stress is a factor that can trigger or aggravate outbreaks of atopic dermatitis. This is often overlooked, but the link between skin and emotional state is very strong. Failure to manage stress properly can prolong flare-ups or make symptoms worse.

What to do: To learn more about how stress impacts atopic dermatitis and how to manage it, we recommend you read our article on the Psychological impact of atopic dermatitis.

Managing atopic dermatitis can be challenging, but by avoiding these common mistakes and adopting good skin care habits, you can significantly improve the health of your skin. Using the right products, such as DermControl, which are specifically designed for the needs of atopic skin, will help you maintain hydration, reduce inflammation and prevent future flare-ups. Remember that consistency is key: with proper management, it is possible to control this condition and live a more comfortable life.

We hope this information has been of great help to you to avoid common mistakes in the management of atopic dermatitis and to improve the care of your or your children’s skin.

See you in the next chapter with more tips and recommendations to keep your skin healthy and protected!

INVES BIOFARM TEAM