Atopic dermatitis: how to recognize and treat it

Understanding the causes of the disease and early prevention methods can be key to overcoming the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children.

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

Two main mechanisms underlie the development of atopic dermatitis: a defective skin barrier and a disruption of the immune system. Initially, atopic dermatitis was thought to be a disease caused solely by immune disorders—it was called a "skin allergy." However, research over the past 30 years has highlighted the role of a disrupted skin barrier in the development of this disease. Today, it is believed that dryness and damage to the skin in early childhood contribute to immune restructuring of the body, which leads to the development of atopic disease.

How to recognize atopic dermatitis?

It is important to understand that atopic dermatitis is a disease that "grows" with the child and changes with age. The only constant symptom that always remains is itching.
In infants, atopic dermatitis is acute: parents notice reddening of the skin, small blisters that, when bursting, form weeping areas. Most often, lesions are located on the face (forehead, cheeks, chin), arms and legs. Due to constant itching, the child becomes restless, sleep and feeding are disrupted.
Children from 2 to 12 years old develop severe dry skin, against which background areas of redness and peeling form in the elbows and popliteal folds. The child complains of severe itching, especially at night. Long-term existence of lesions leads to the formation of scratches all over the body.
In adolescence, the disease persists in 5-10% of children and is manifested by dry hands, lips, shins and forearms, which significantly intensifies in winter. The rash may persist around the eyes, mouth, as well as on the back of the hands and feet.

How to cope with atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that occurs with periods of remission and exacerbation. Proper care, adherence to the regimen, elimination of triggers, and timely treatment will determine whether the disease progresses or enters into long-term remission.
In the treatment of atopic dermatitis of any severity and at any age, the first step is the use of moisturizers—emollients—which support the integrity of the skin barrier.

Emollients, or moisturizers, hydrate and soften the skin. They prevent water loss from the skin and directly add water to the dry surface of the skin, thereby moisturizing it. This protective film not only retains moisture but also prevents microcracks and the penetration of irritants, blocking a key mechanism in the development of the disease. Since time immemorial, people have sought to use oils and animal fats to combat dry skin, but a modern emollient, in addition to moisturizing and softening, must be active and address the underlying causes of atopic dermatitis. Cerafavit Librederm Lipid-Restoring Balm is such an emollient. Ceramides, vitamin F, and prebiotics help restore the hydrolipidic barrier, instantly eliminating the feeling of tightness, thereby immediately reducing itching and irritation, while niacinamide (vitamin B3) has an anti-inflammatory effect.
An equally important component of proper child care are hygiene, that is, cleansing procedures.
During an exacerbation of the disease, bathing is not recommended.
Since children's skin and hair do not get greasy and do not sweat as intensely as those of adults, there is no need to use aggressive cleansers in early childhood. All cleaning products for children should be mild, have a neutral pH, do not cause tears if they come into contact with the eyes, and do not overdry the skin. The optimal choice for babies is the Cerafavit Librederm Lipid-Restoring Shower Oil. This water-free formula helps moisturize the skin of children with atopic dermatitis and prevents excessive dryness caused by contact with water. After a bath, pat the skin dry to keep it damp or slightly moist. Avoid rubbing to prevent injury to the steamed skin. Apply the Lipid-Restoring Balm to the entire body three minutes after leaving the bath to retain moisture. Bathing and moisturizing can be scheduled before bedtime; this will help the skin retain moisture better, making the experience more comfortable for the baby. Furthermore, massaging the emollient before bedtime promotes deeper and longer sleep in infants. Although atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition with a hereditary predisposition and a recurring course, it can be optimally managed. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier and following all skin care guidelines are key to effective treatment, allowing your child to enjoy a happy and carefree childhood.