Atopic dermatitis: how to treat it

In this post we want to offer you some tips and solutions to treat atopic dermatitis. We know that it is a chronic condition, but that does not mean we have to settle for suffering from it every day. With certain changes in daily care we can control it and have much healthier skin.

The Incidence of atopic dermatitis is increasing. Especially in the Western world, where we spend the day in contact with a multitude of elements potentially harmful to our skin. Stress and poor diet can alter the balance of our skin , subjecting it to many stressors for which it is not biologically prepared.

Although in cases of serious or difficult to control outbreaks the help of drugs may be necessary, at theCosmethics we believe that prevention is better than cure. That is why we want to give importance to its causes and act on them so that the treatment is effective and long-term. In this entry we give you some tips to reduce injuries and avoid major recurrences.

Conventional medical treatment for atopic dermatitis consists of the administration of different drugs topically or orally and the application of emollient creams.

Topical treatment is usually with corticosteroid creams or immunomodulators. These act by inhibiting or modifying the normal immune response of our skin, thus reducing lesions at the expense of avoiding our own defense mechanisms. Although they are effective, they must be used with caution, since they produce adverse effects such as irritation, burning, itching, contact dermatitis, worsening of ulcers and wounds, hair growth or pigmentation alterations.

Orally, one of the most used drugs are antihistamines, which reduce the “allergic” reaction of the skin and effectively counteract itching. Corticosteroids are also used in cases of very serious outbreaks.

Control dermatitis naturally

• Control your stress: This is one of the main triggers of dermatitis outbreaks. Leading a calm and organized life and practicing a sport that helps us relax can be of great help.
• Improve your diet: This is another of the basic pillars in the course of atopic dermatitis. We must ensure a varied diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids. This way our skin will receive all the vitamins and micronutrients necessary to stay in good condition and reduce inflammation. Avoid trans fats and processed foods with additives that can be harmful. Alcohol or tobacco can also worsen the disease. Furthermore, we must not forget that atopic dermatitis is related to hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, we must be especially careful with those foods that can act as allergens: dairy products, eggs, nuts, gluten, red fruits, shellfish, etc. If you suspect that a food may be triggering your dermatitis, try eliminating it from your diet for a while.
• Hydration: A no less important point is to provide the skin with intense hydration to prevent dryness. We must be very careful choosing the right product. We must avoid perfumes and other substances that may be harmful such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or petroleum derivatives. At theCosmethics we recommend using 100% natural moisturizers and simple in formulation, since even some essential oils can be irritating. Use a natural cream, oil, butter or balm that hydrates deeply and let yourself be advised by professionals when choosing the most suitable product for your skin.
• Use natural clothing: Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, can increase skin irritation and cause hypersensitivity. Try to use natural, soft fabrics, such as cotton, especially in underwear. Also avoid excess clothing and lack of perspiration, since the accumulation of sweat and humidity in contact with our body will make the situation worse. Replace detergents and fabric softeners with natural soap or washing nuts and a little baking soda and vinegar. Avoid contact with strong cleaning products.
• Gentle shower: Use a mild soap, preferably slightly acidic and Totally natural and fragrance-free . Avoid showering excessively and baths that are too long or hot. If you play sports or shower very frequently, try to avoid soap from time to time and remove sweat only with water. We must try to eliminate as little as possible the hydrolipid barrier that protects and keeps our skin hydrated. Dry the skin carefully, especially on areas with active eczema.

Beneficial oils and products for atopic skin

Although there are many products that can cause hypersensitivity, we also have many others of natural origin that help desensitize and hydrate atopic skin. We present some of them:

• Calendula oil: This is one of the star products, both applied directly and contained in creams or balms. Calendula has excellent anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing properties. It is a perfect balancer for atopic and sensitive skin.
• Chamomile: Both its infusion applied in the form of compresses and chamomile oil are also perfect when it comes to calming the skin.
• Avocado oil: Due to its high content of vitamins D and E, which stimulate the formation of collagen, improving skin dryness.
• Propolis: This beehive product is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. It also contains vitamins C and E and is a good skin regenerator. Applied in creams or balms it can be very effective in our treatment.
• Malva: The mucilage contained in this plant has emollient and moisturizing properties. It is also anti-inflammatory, so applying its decoction in compresses can relieve dermatitis lesions.

There are many other beneficial natural products in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is important to try and choose the one that is ideal for each of us. Each skin is different and will respond differently, but do not forget how important it is to follow other steps such as taking care of your diet and avoiding allergens or irritating substances.