Prevention and Treatment Methods for Atopic Dermatitis

<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "Atopic Dermatitis" (2) Prevention and treatment methods for "Atopic Dermatitis"

Basic prevention methods for atopic dermatitis
Basic treatment methods for atopic dermatitis
Latest topics in atopic dermatitis treatment
Solving common and bothersome problems associated with atopic dermatitis.

Treatment for atopic dermatitis is primarily conducted at a medical institution. Beyond that, it's crucial to take care of your skin and review your lifestyle to prevent symptoms from worsening in your daily life. This article, supervised by a dermatologist, explains how to prevent and manage atopic dermatitis in your daily life.

Basic prevention methods for atopic dermatitis

People with an atopic constitution, who are prone to developing atopic dermatitis, tend to have sensitive skin that is easily dry and prone to inflammation. Even with an atopic constitution, symptoms may not appear in childhood, and may develop later in life due to environmental influences. This is similar to how hay fever often develops suddenly in adulthood.

Take the following precautions to prevent your atopic dermatitis from worsening.

Pay attention to dry skin.

When skin becomes dry, its barrier function weakens, making it more susceptible to external irritants and increasing the likelihood of atopic dermatitis worsening. It's important to maintain skin moisture through sufficient moisturizing care throughout the day. Especially during dry seasons, pay attention to indoor humidity by using a humidifier.
Avoid skin irritation

Scrubbing your face vigorously when washing it or using harsh cleansers can strip away the sebum film necessary for skin moisture, making you more susceptible to skin problems. Choosing soft clothing is also important. It's not good for fibers like nylon and polyester to come into direct contact with your skin. Try wearing cotton underwear instead.
Keep your skin clean.

Sweat and dirt can also cause the condition. If you sweat, wash it off with a shower as soon as possible. If that's not possible, gently wipe it off and change your clothes. It's important to wash your skin and keep it clean, but be careful not to over-wash.

Basic treatment methods for atopic dermatitis

If you develop atopic dermatitis, it's necessary to take measures to prevent it from worsening, in addition to receiving treatment at a medical institution. Let's go over the main coping methods.

Main countermeasures

Early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening. Early symptoms of atopic dermatitis are often overlooked, so if you notice any concerning symptoms, consult a specialist immediately.

In terms of lifestyle, reviewing your skincare routine and lifestyle is key to addressing the problem. In addition to the preventative measures we've discussed, please pay attention to the following:

Don't scratch your skin.

If you scratch your skin when you experience intense itching, it can weaken the skin's barrier function and worsen your symptoms. It's also important to avoid irritants that cause itching, such as itchy clothing.
Keep your nails short and clean.

In atopic dermatitis, which is accompanied by severe itching, you may unconsciously scratch. To prevent skin damage and worsening of the condition, always keep your nails short and clean.
Pay attention to the bath water temperature.

If the bathwater or shower water is too hot, itching will worsen. Set the temperature to a lower level.
Bathing is necessary to maintain cleanliness, but if your symptoms suddenly worsen, consult a doctor. Avoid scrubbing your skin vigorously with nylon towels or soap.
Keep the interior clean

Keep your room clean by cleaning it regularly. Using an air purifier is also effective.
Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Try to regulate your sleep schedule by avoiding staying up late or sleeping in late, and ensure you get enough quality sleep.
Don't let stress build up.

Stress can also trigger a worsening of the condition. Stress can lead to scratching, which can create even more stress. Try to manage stress effectively by having hobbies you enjoy regularly or by spending time relaxing. If the itching is severe and causing you stress, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor and get a prescription for antihistamines or other medications.

Prevention and treatment of skin pigmentation (darkening of skin from atopic dermatitis scars)

In skin affected by atopic dermatitis, dark pigmentation may remain after inflammation. This darkening is common in skin after inflammation.

To prevent hyperpigmentation, it's important to avoid irritating the skin. Repeated inflammation can easily lead to hyperpigmentation, so it's essential to calm the symptoms in consultation with a doctor.

Furthermore, skin affected by atopic dermatitis has a weakened barrier function, making it more susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet rays. When taking precautions against UV rays, choose a low-irritation sunscreen and take other measures to minimize skin irritation.

Latest topics in atopic dermatitis treatment

The goal of treating atopic dermatitis is to maintain a state where there are no symptoms, or if there are, they do not interfere with daily life, and where medication is not frequently needed.

There is no treatment that can completely cure atopic dermatitis in the short term, but treatment methods are selected according to the symptoms, such as the administration of topical steroids and antihistamines, to suppress or eliminate itching and other symptoms. Immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus have also become widely used.

Topical steroids come in various strengths, and for example, prolonged use of strong topical steroids on the face can cause side effects. Also, although some people worry about it, applying topical steroids will not cause your skin to darken.

Topical treatments for atopic dermatitis include "reactive therapy," which is administered after symptoms appear, and "proactive therapy," which is administered before symptoms appear. One of the major challenges of atopic dermatitis is the recurrence of symptoms. Proactive therapy is an approach that continues treatment even after symptoms have subsided to prevent recurrence, and its effectiveness is attracting attention.

Ultraviolet light is often demonized for causing "photoaging," but treatment using "narrowband UVB," which excludes wavelengths that cause skin cancer and sunburn, is covered by health insurance as a form of phototherapy.

Meanwhile, research into biological agents is also progressing as a new treatment method. Some of these are already on the market in the United States, and they are expected to be approved in Japan in 2018.

Furthermore, research into new treatments such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors is progressing, and it is expected that the treatment options for atopic dermatitis will expand in the future. It is best to choose a treatment method that suits you in consultation with your doctor.

Solving common and bothersome problems associated with atopic dermatitis.

Finally, let's look at some of the most common concerns regarding the treatment and self-care of atopic dermatitis.

Can atopic dermatitis be completely cured?

The goal of treating atopic dermatitis is to maintain a state where there are no symptoms, or if there are, they do not interfere with daily life, and where medication is not frequently needed.
Setting your goals too high can actually lead to stress. Stress can worsen your condition, so consult with your doctor and proceed with treatment according to your symptoms at the time. At the same time, it's important to continue taking measures in your daily life, such as skincare and lifestyle improvements.
Is atopic dermatitis contagious?

Atopic dermatitis develops when a combination of congenital predispositions such as an allergic constitution and impaired skin barrier function is combined with acquired factors such as dryness and dust mites. However, if infectious complications such as impetigo or molluscum contagiosum develop, there is a possibility that these complications can be transmitted.
Is atopic dermatitis hereditary?

People with an atopic constitution are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. It is estimated that if one parent has an atopic constitution, there is about a 60% chance that their child will develop it, and if both parents have an atopic constitution, there is about an 80% chance. However, even if the parents have severe symptoms, there are many cases where the child's symptoms are mild. Try not to worry too much about it.
Is it okay if I wear makeup?

When using makeup products, fragrance-free, mildly acidic, and hypoallergenic options are recommended. When cleansing, rinse-off cleansers are less irritating than wipe-off types. If you have any concerns, consult a doctor.
Can this be improved through diet?

In infants under 3 years old, eggs and milk can sometimes trigger the onset of the disease, but diet is not the only cause. As children grow older, the influence of diet decreases, and in adulthood, there is almost no correlation.

Supervised by: Professor Tokuya Omi
Graduated from Nippon Medical School Graduate School. Visiting Research Professor at Aarhus University and Visiting Professor at Nippon Medical School. Certified Specialist in Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Treatment by the Japanese Dermatological Association. Certified Specialist in Dermatology by the Japanese Dermatological Association. Certified Specialist in Allergology by the Japanese Society of Allergology.

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