The outermost layer of our skin, also called the skin barrier, protects it from the harmful effects of the environment. It is generally impregnable and prevents water, bacteria, and microorganisms from entering our bodies. When the skin barrier does not function, one can develop atopic dermatitis, which causes itchy, red, and small blisters that can affect the face, arms, legs, and neck. Find below more information about the causes, signs, and remedies of atopic dermatitis.

Causes of atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease with multiple trigger factors. The condition is prevalent in babies between three and six months and children, but adults may also get affected. Atopic dermatitis that develops in infancy usually disappears when the child enters their teens. But for some, it can be a lifelong condition. Also, infants who get affected are likely to develop food allergies, hay fever, or asthma later in life.

The primary causes of atopic dermatitis include:

• Family history
• A faulty or weak immune system
• Places with a cold and damp climate and mountainous regions
• Exposure to allergens like pollen, chemicals, pollution, and dust
• Chemicals in household cleaning articles

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
The symptoms are different in children and adults. In children and infants, the first symptom is itchy skin. They may find it difficult to control the urge to scratch, and once they do, rashes appear on the scalp, face, cheeks, elbows, buttocks, and legs. Sometimes, rashes bubble up and leak fluids. The skin may also become dry and scaly. In such a situation, children become fussy and irritable, which can affect their sleep. Babies keep rubbing against bedding or carpets.

Atopic dermatitis can be harder to diagnose in adults. Adults may experience itchy rashes on their eyelids and the palm’s deep lines, along with dry skin. In rare cases, one may notice oozing blood or fluids. Adults may also suffer from infections like yellow crusts and bumps with pus.

Treatment for atopic dermatitis
There is no cure for the condition, and treatment aims at relieving the symptoms and improving quality of life. The standard treatment plan includes:

Topical treatments
Doctors prescribe creams, ointments, and moisturizers that patients can purchase over the counter. These topical treatments usually have calcineurin inhibitors that control rashes and prevent infection. Note, however, that these are suitable only for patients over two years and have side effects.

Oral and injectable treatments
Besides topical creams, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid tablets based on the patient’s age, symptoms, and other allergies. For severe cases, one may need FDA-approved injectable biologics. Such treatments, however, are not meant for prolonged use.

Phototherapy
In this treatment, the patient’s skin is exposed to ultraviolet light that helps clear the rashes and improve skin quality. It is recommended when other forms of treatment do not work. Phototherapy can take two to three weeks, and the procedure can be performed in a doctor’s clinic.

Home remedies for atopic dermatitis
Besides the above treatments, one may consider the following home remedies:

Wet dressings
After bathing, patients may apply moisturizer, wrap the affected areas with wet strips of fabric or gauze, and place another dry cloth over it. This helps retain moisture and relieve itching and other symptoms.

Natural moisturizer
Using natural moisturizers like coconut oil, sunflower oil, or Cardiospermum once or twice a day can help. After diluting with water, one must rub the oil gently on the affected spots.

Baths
Patients may add essential oil, oatmeal, baking soda, bleach, or vinegar to the bath and soak for some time for relief from itching. It is best to apply moisturizer after the bath.

Skin care
The skin of infants and adults with atopic dermatitis is generally sensitive to certain substances like perfumes, woolen clothing, laundry detergents, household cleaning products, and pollen. Patients should stay away from these triggers.

Nutrition to follow
Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish and foods containing quercetin (a plant compound) can help reduce the flares and improve the symptoms. High-probiotic options like miso soup, tempeh, and kefir are also advised. At the same time, atopic dermatitis patients must avoid things that they might be sensitive to, such as nuts, eggs, and soy.