Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a cyclical course with periods of improvement and worsening. The cause is not exactly known, being influenced by multiple factors. It has a familial character and is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

It is not a contagious disease. It is characterized by inflamed, reddened, itchy, scaly, and sometimes moist skin lesions. It starts in the first year of life, in most cases it has a chronic course and most children have a reduction or disappearance of lesions before adolescence. In infants, lesions predominate on the face and on the outer surfaces of the arms and legs.

In older children and adults, the lesions mainly affect the body folds, such as the knees, elbows and neck. In the most severe cases, it can affect much of the body surface. Atopic dermatitis sufferers have a higher incidence of bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections. Despite the gradual improvement of the disease with the progression of age, the patient with atopic dermatitis tends to maintain, throughout his life, a dry skin that is easily irritated.

Atopic dermatitis tends to appear or worsen when a person is exposed to certain substances or conditions. The triggering factors are: dry skin; dust; detergents; heat and perspiration; infections and emotional stress.

It is important to avoid or reduce exposure to triggering factors and treat acute attacks. It is recommended: daily and continuous use of a white, fragrance-free moisturizing cream; warm to cold bath, with an average duration of 5 to 10 minutes, without a loofah; Neutral soap should be used as little as necessary and in a single bath.

In addition to all the above precautions, it is not always possible to avoid an acute attack of atopic dermatitis. In crises, maintain skin care and look for a dermatologist.