What causes atopic dermatitis and how can it be treated
By : Vik
28 days ago
Giampiero Girolomoni is a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Verona, Italy. He has decades of experience in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Professor Girolomoni has helped develop the Vik Atopic Dermatitis application and in this article he dispels the myths about this pathology.
To cure it, you have to find the origin and cause of the disease?
No, it’s not necessary. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and many others have complex and multifactorial causes that are often difficult to identify and to act upon at an early stage of the disease. It is therefore not enough to find the causes to cure the disease, as it also often has an important genetic component that is not yet fully understood.
Is atopic dermatitis caused by allergies?
No, according to the current common opinion, atopic dermatitis is more common in people with allergies, but its presence is not due to allergies. Furthermore, atopic dermatitis can predispose to allergies, but it is rare that a patient will recover from atopic dermatitis simply by eliminating the factors to which they are biologically allergic. Allergies are often a consequence of skin changes in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Does stress make atopic dermatitis worse?
Many patients report that their symptoms can worsen in times of stress. The disease is characterised by intense itching and stress seems to affect mainly the perception of the itching rather than the disease itself. In addition, the itching may cause the patient to scratch, which makes the eczema worse. Stress may therefore play an important role in triggering the acute phases of the disease.
Are allergy tests or blood tests useful for diagnosing atopic dermatitis?
No, they can be used for an initial assessment of the patient but are not sufficient to make a definitive diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. In addition, atopic dermatitis is not necessarily an allergic disease, although it can be associated with other allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. In cases where atopic dermatitis is associated with a food allergy, recognition of the allergy may be useful for more accurate management, especially in children.
Are corticosteroid creams bad for my health?
No! Contrary to what you might think, corticosteroids are not harmful if used correctly and with the right molecules for the right amount of time. The negative effect of corticosteroids in creams comes from prolonged and excessive use on sensitive areas such as the face and folds, where the skin is more delicate and thinner. The use of corticosteroids in these areas can lead to thinning of the skin, called atrophy, which can sometimes be irreversible. However, when used for short, intense periods of time, interspersed with periods of non-use, they are not harmful and remain the treatment of first choice for treating atopic dermatitis.
Can I cure my atopic dermatitis using only natural remedies?
No. Spontaneous healing of atopic dermatitis is possible, as is the case with many inflammatory diseases. However, it depends on several factors such as the predisposition of the patient, the severity of the disease and the choice of treatment. Natural remedies can be helpful, but if atopic dermatitis has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, it is advisable to consult a doctor specialising in the treatment of the disease.
Are there more and more therapies for atopic dermatitis?
Yes, there are different therapies for atopic dermatitis, such as ointments and creams, phototherapy in some cases, and systemic therapies such as injections and tablets that are revolutionising the treatment outlook for patients. Each type of treatment has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the most suitable therapy for the patient is the responsibility of the doctor in the context of an optimal therapeutic alliance with the patient.
If you suffer from atopic dermatitis and it bothers you and interferes with your daily life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment. There is no need to fear treatment, as it is designed to be effective and safe. Getting help from professionals can help patients suffering from this condition to find the most suitable therapy for them.
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