HOW DO YOU RECOGNISE AN OUTBREAK OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS?

Hello again! Welcome to another article in our Atopic Dermatitis blog. Today we are going to talk about one of the most important aspects of this condition: knowing how to recognise an outbreak of atopic dermatitis and how to treat it. Learning to recognise the early signs of an outbreak and how to deal with them is essential to improving the quality of life of those affected.

Read on to find out more!

WHAT IS AN OUTBREAK OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS? DO YOU KNOW HOW TO IDENTIFY IT?

To know how to recognise an outbreak of eczema, you first need to know how and where it can appear on your body. Atopic dermatitis usually goes through two distinct phases: the active phase, also known as the flare-up phase, and the remission phase, when symptoms decrease significantly or disappear completely.

During an outbreak, the skin is at its most irritable and has a number of characteristic symptoms to look out for:

• Intense itching or pruritus: This can range from mild to severe, sometimes accompanied by pain. Many people also experience a burning sensation on the affected skin.
• Dry, red, scaly rash: During an outbreak, the skin may become rough, red and inflamed, with areas of scaling. In more severe cases, the skin may even show small lesions that may bleed slightly.

It is important to note that skin can break out on any part of the body, but certain areas are more prone to breakouts than others. In the youngest children, they are often found in the cheeks and the outer sides of the arms and legs, as well as around the lips, chin, neck or nappy area. In adults, they appear in the flexed areas (knee joints and elbow creases), face, scalp, cleavage or chest, hands and wrists.

HOW DO YOU TREAT AN OUTBREAK OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS?

There is no definitive treatment for eczema, but even if we cannot cure it, it is very important to control and treat flare-ups.

When faced with an outbreak, it is vital to take effective measures to alleviate the symptoms and promote healing of the affected skin. Here are some recommendations:

• Intensive hydration: Keeping the skin moisturised is essential to relieve dryness and irritation during an outbreak. Use regular emollient and fragrance-free creams to lock in moisture. Our DermControl cream has been shown to be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, providing deep hydration, relieving itching and helping to reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

• Avoid scratching: this will only make the symptoms worse and can lead to secondary infections. Keep your nails short and wear cotton gloves at night to avoid scratching.
• Apply cold compresses: These can provide immediate relief from itching and inflammation during an outbreak. Apply cold compresses to the affected areas several times a day for about 15 minutes.
• Follow a long-term skin care plan: Develop and maintain a long-term skin care routine to help prevent future breakouts and keep your skin in good condition.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO TREAT OUTBREAKS OF ECZEMA IN CHILDREN?

When a child has a flare-up of atopic dermatitis, where red, scaly patches of eczema appear, it causes severe inflammation of the skin. If this is not treated properly, it can gradually increase, leading to more severe dermatitis that may not go away.

It is important to recognise that eczema causes severe itching of the skin, which can lead to agitation, restlessness and difficulty concentrating and falling asleep in the school environment. This restlessness not only affects the child, but can also lead to emotional and behavioural problems that have a major impact on the parents’ quality of life.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SKIN CARE

In articles such as Tricks to combat scratching in atopic dermatitis and Basic tips for children’s skin care, we offer a range of practical advice on how to care for your skin and your children’s skin to keep it healthy and protected.

Remember that proper skin care is essential to managing eczema and promoting a better quality of life. Don’t hesitate to use these tips and consult your doctor for additional advice!

Take care and see you next time!

INVES BIOFARM TEAM