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What does allergic dermatitis look like?
Allergic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that develops as an overreaction of the immune system to contact with various allergens. Its clinical picture is quite characteristic and is manifested by a complex of symptoms that cause significant discomfort. The skin in this condition is characterized by pronounced redness (erythema), noticeable tissue swelling, and intense dryness, often leading to a feeling of tightness.
The most debilitating symptoms are intense, sometimes excruciating, itching and burning, which significantly reduce quality of life. The inflammatory process is often accompanied by the formation of small vesicles (bubbles) filled with serous fluid. If these are mechanically damaged or spontaneously ruptured, erosions form, which are subsequently covered with yellowish crusts. Scratching itchy areas aggravates inflammation, damages the epidermal barrier and creates a favorable environment for secondary bacterial infection, which is fraught with serious complications.
By the nature of the course, there is an acute form with pronounced rashes and intense itching, and a chronic one, in which long-term inflammation leads to lichenification - thickening of the skin, strengthening of its pattern, constant dryness, increased sensitivity and a tendency to irritation even from minor impacts.
Allergic dermatitis: affected areas
Deserve special attention Areas most susceptible to the development of allergic dermatitis, as their location often indicates a potential trigger. On the face, favorite areas are the thin skin of the eyelids, cheeks, and the perioral area (around the lips), which is often associated with a reaction to components of conventional decorative or skincare cosmetics, cleansers, household chemicals, plant pollen, or certain foods. The skin of the hands, especially the palms, fingers, and elbows, is constantly exposed to aggressive environmental factors. Here, dermatitis is often provoked by detergents, solvents, metals (nickel in jewelry), latex, or occupational allergens, manifesting as severe dryness and cracking, which is not only painful but also disrupts the skin's barrier function as a whole. On the body, inflammatory lesions most often occur in areas of friction and increased sweating: skin folds, on the neck, in the armpits. The cause may be synthetic fabrics that do not allow air to pass through, residues of washing powders or fabric softeners on clothes, as well as shower gel or soap with irritating components.
How to treat allergic dermatitis
In the context of the treatment of allergic dermatitis, a comprehensive approach aimed at eliminating the cause, stopping the inflammatory process, relieving painful symptoms and restoring the damaged skin barrier is key.
The primary and absolutely necessary measure is the maximum possible identification and complete elimination of contact with the allergen that provoked the reaction - be it a certain food, cosmetic ingredient, metal or household chemicals.
To quickly reduce itching, burning, redness and swelling, antihistamines of the latest generation, which have a minimum of side effects, are used systemically. Creams or ointments with anti-inflammatory components are applied locally to the affected areas.
In cases of moderate to severe inflammation, topical glucocorticosteroids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and antipruritic effects, may be prescribed by a doctor.
If there is oozing, broken blisters, or erosions, thorough antiseptic treatment is extremely important to prevent secondary bacterial infection. If infection has already occurred, a dermatologist may prescribe topical or systemic antibacterial drugs.
An integral part of treatment, especially when there is a proven link between exacerbations and food products, is adherence to an individually selected hypoallergenic, so-called elimination diet, which reduces the antigen load on the body and promotes faster healing of the skin.
What can you eat with allergic dermatitis
Properly organized nutrition for allergic dermatitis performs not only a therapeutic but also an important preventive function, helping to minimize the risk of exacerbations and maintain healthy skin. The main principle is to exclude known and potential food allergens from the diet, which most often include highly allergenic foods: citrus fruits, chocolate and cocoa, whole cow's milk and some dairy products, chicken eggs (especially whites), nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts), seafood, wheat (gluten), red berries and fruits.
Instead, the emphasis should be on hypoallergenic foods rich in nutrients that are critical for restoring and maintaining skin health:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are of particular value (fatty sea fish - salmon, mackerel, sardines; flaxseed oil, walnuts - if there is no allergy), which have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
Antioxidants (vitamins C, E, A, selenium, zinc), in Found in abundance in fresh neutral-colored fruits and vegetables (zucchini, cucumbers, broccoli, green apples, pears), spinach, berries (blueberries, white currants), and extra virgin olive oil, they actively fight oxidative stress, which aggravates inflammation.
Hydration is extremely important – adequate consumption of clean water (1.5-2 liters per day) maintains optimal skin hydration from the inside and its protective functions.
Vitamins A and E (retinol and tocopherol) are key for epidermal regeneration and strengthening the lipid barrier, and vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis. Prebiotics (dietary fiber in vegetables, fruits, cereals) and probiotics (in the absence of allergy to dairy - fermented milk products) maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora, which directly affects the state of the immune system and skin, reducing the overall allergic predisposition of the body.
Skin care for allergic dermatitis
Care for skin prone to allergic reactions and atopy requires special attention and a scientifically based approach, the main goal of which is to restore the damaged epidermal barrier, prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and Minimize contact with potential irritants.
Cleansing should be as gentle as possible. Avoid harsh surfactants (especially sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS), alkaline soaps, alcohol-containing toners, and scrubs with abrasive particles. Gentle gels and mousses with a physiological pH (5.5) and free of fragrances, dyes, and strong preservatives are ideal for cleansing skin with allergic dermatitis. For example, Cerafavit Soothing Shower Gel provides gentle yet effective cleansing thanks to its mild cleansing base. Its formula is enriched with ceramides and niacinamide, as well as vitamin F, which instantly soothe irritated skin and relieve the feeling of tightness and discomfort after water treatments without disturbing the natural hydrolipidic mantle.
Daily intensive hydration and lipid restoration are also an integral part of care for allergic dermatitis. Using emollients (creams, balms) should become a daily routine. For example, Cerafavit cream contains a unique complex of ceramides identical to the skin's natural lipids and valuable oils (almond).
For areas with particularly severe dryness, cracks, or during periods of allergy flare-ups, it is recommended to apply Cerafavit lipid-restoring balm. Its richer texture provides a long-lasting occlusive effect, creating a protective film that prevents moisture evaporation, promotes deep restoration of the lipid layer and strengthens the protective properties of the skin, accelerating the healing process due to the prebiotic in the composition.
Additional care measures include choosing clothing and bedding made of soft natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk), avoiding the use of aggressive washing powders and conditioners (preference should be given to hypoallergenic products for sensitive skin), maintaining optimal humidity in the room (40-60%) with the help of humidifiers and regular ventilation.
Such a comprehensive, scientifically proven approach to skin care for allergic dermatitis significantly reduces the frequency and severity of exacerbations, promoting long-term remission and maintaining the skin in a healthy, protected state.