ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)
Everybody gets itchy skin once in a while. But when you have long-lasting, red, itchy rashes, it could be atopic dermatitis.
So, what do you do if your skin experiences a reaction? The only way to truly treat a reaction is to know what is causing the sensitivity in the first place. Here, we explore four common types of skin reactivity and reveal how you can soothe and re-balance your sensitive skin.
WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin. AD is often referred to as eczema, a word that refers to a broader group of skin conditions. “Dermatitis” refers to a condition of the skin and “atopic” relates to diseases caused by allergic reactions.
As an atopic disease, AD is in the same classification as hay fever and asthma.
- ATOPIC SKIN
CAUSES
Atopic skin reactions tend to develop in people affected by chronic skin complaints such as eczema or dermatitis. According to the NHS there are many influences that can trigger an atopic reaction. The term ‘Atopic’ means sensitivity to allergens and, as such, the NHS advises that atopic reactions may develop in response to allergens, including, but not limited to, pollen, soap, pet hair and certain foods.
SYMPTOMS
If you experience an atopic skin reaction it is likely that the skin will become sore, inflamed, and itchy. Your reaction can be localised or may develop on numerous parts of the body. According to the NHS the weather can be a factor in causing a reaction to develop so you may notice that your symptoms are more severe in particularly hot or cold climates. Atopic Dermatitis can affect the face! The skin of a person with atopic dermatitis loses excessive moisture from the epidermal layer. Some patients with atopic dermatitis lack a protein called filaggrin that is important in retaining moisture. This defective genetic trait allows the skin to become very dry, which reduces its protective abilities.
BEAUTY HACK
For skin affected by atopic skin reactions you are best to avoid skin care made with alcohol, fragrances and essential oils, also soaps and detergents with SLS( INCI: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, ALS – Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, ALES – Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate.
A simple and basic regimen is key. Staying with one recommended soap and one moisturizer is very important. Using multiple soaps, lotions, fragrances, and mixes of products may cause further issues and skin sensitivity.
Look for natural ingredients such as: Aloe Vera, Colloida Oatmeal ( INCI Avena Sativa), Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil
DIETARY HACK
Eczema is an inflammatory condition, which means that it causes inflamed, red, sore skin.
Certain foods can cause or reduce inflammation in the body and making a few key dietary changes could help diminish eczema flares.
- fish
- leafy greens
- beans and lentils
- colorful fruits
- vegetables
- turmeric and cinnamon
Common inflammatory foods include dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat- eliminate them for at least 40 days to see a different.
2. CONTACT DERMATITIS
CAUSES
Essentially a contact skin reaction that develops after your skin comes in contact with something it cannot tolerate. This could be an allergen it has not encountered before, a fabric or product made with ingredients known to aggravate skin, such as soap or SLS, Nickel, which is used in jewelry, buckles and many other items, Medications, such as antibiotic creams and oral antihistamines, Formaldehyde, which is in preservatives, disinfectants and clothing (INCI Benzylhemiformal, 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol ( Bronopol), 5-Bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox), Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quanternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, MDM Hydantoin, Sodium Hydroxymethyl, Formaldehyde, Butylcarbamate, Glycinate, Methenamine, Glutaral, Glyoxal, Hexetidine, Iodopropynyl, Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin).
SYMPTOMS
A simple way to determine if you have had a contact skin reaction is that the symptoms will appear shortly after the contact has taken place. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the reaction but, you can find that you skin becomes itchy, red in appearance or starts to feel tight and uncomfortable. According to NetDr, the period that the skin will be affected by will vary and this can depend on the substance that your skin has reacted to as well as the strength of the substance.
BEAUTY HACK
Contact reactions commonly develop on the hands. To help soothe sore skin we recommend switching your soap to a fragrance-free hand wash.
Non-drying and pH balanced, this natural formulation is free from SLS, Triclosan and irritating soap. After washing hands don’t rub them dry, instead, gently pat the skin to limit the risk of further skin damage.
Regularly applying moisturizing lotions can help restore your skin’s outermost layer and keep your skin supple( La Rohe Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, Isomol, Epaderm).
3. SKIN REACTIVITY- VASCULAR
CAUSES
Vascular skin reactions occur when blood vessels under the skin react to a change in temperature. A good example of this is Vasculitis, a condition associated with many illnesses which causes the blood vessels to become inflamed.
However, perhaps the most common types of environmental skin reaction is Rosacea, a skin complaint that commonly develops in middle-age and occurs when blood vessels near to the skin’s surface dilate, making your complexion appear flushed. Whilst the causes of Rosacea are unknown, changes in the weather, eating spicy food and drinking caffeine or alcohol are all known to triggers flare-ups of the condition
SYMPTOMS
Skin affected by vascular reactions can become flushed when exposed to a trigger such as a temperature change or spicy food. In addition to having a crimson complexion, people affected by Rosacea can start to develop dry, irritated skin or spots, something that some sufferers choose to conceal with make-up.
BEAUTY HACK
It might be tempting to cover-up flushed skin but sensitive skin needs to breathe! If you do choose to correct the redness with cosmetics be sure to use lightweight mineral-based products that do not contain silicone and won’t block your pores.
Look for products with Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Azelaic Acid (SESDERMA: Azelac Cream, Azelac Lotion) and Vit C which will strength blood vessels walls ( SESDERMA C-Vit range.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL SKIN REACTIVITY
CAUSES
As the name suggests, environmental reactions are triggered by changes to your environment. This can include changes to temperature or exposure to sunlight.
SYMPTOMS
There are many skin conditions that can develop as a result of environmental factors and, as such, the symptoms may vary and may include the skin erupting in hives or experiencing symptoms of prickly heat.
BEAUTY HACK
To help your skin from environmental irritants be sure to wear a broad-range UV sun lotion daily. It needs to be suitable for sensitive skin and those prone to prickly heat it’s rich in natural antioxidants to protect delicate skin but, it’s need to be non-pore clogging, and allows the skin to breathe.
For all above skin conditions we have a variety of professional treatments like Ultrasound therapy, estGen therapy, Azelac Peel and Azelac Acid therapy which are choose personally during in clinic consultation.
Regards,
A