Atopic Dermatitis: What Causes Inflammation?

Atopic dermatitis (AD for short) is a hereditary inflammatory disease, the symptoms of which affect both children and adults. It is also known as atopic eczema or eczema. The first symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children can be noticed during the first 5 years of life, and the disease can appear even in infants.  

It can be said that atopic dermatitis is already a civilization disease - the incidence of atopic dermatitis is the highest in highly developed countries and is constantly growing. It is estimated that up to 30% of children and 2-10% of adults suffer from AD. Where does atopic dermatitis come from, can you identify its causes?

Atopic dermatitis: causes

Where does atopic dermatitis come from? The causes of atopic dermatitis are not fully known. Currently, it is believed that the following factors play an important role here:

• genetic;
• autoimmune;
• environmental.

Genetic conditions lead to damage to the epidermal barrier and the development of inflammation, making the child's skin more exposed to external factors and irritation. This is due to excessive water loss and reduced lipid content in the epidermis, which makes the skin more susceptible to irritants, allergens, bacteria and other microorganisms, which in turn exacerbate the inflammation of atopic skin.

Atopic dermatitis has periods of exacerbation and remission (symptom relief) over several years, and in most cases it resolves when the child enters puberty.

AD: symptoms in infants and older children

The main symptoms of AD are severe and persistent pruritus and dryness and roughness of the skin without a hydrolipid coat.

Constant itching of the skin forces the child to scratch himself, which leads to worsening of inflammation and bacterial infectionsmainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), resulting in skin changes in the form of scabs and oozing lesions.

Atopic dermatitis: where does the flare come from inflammation?

In the case of atopic dermatitis, an important issue is where does the exacerbation of inflammation come from? As already mentioned, in addition to bacteria, the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in a child is also influenced by:

• mushrooms;
• viruses (especially herpes virus);
• allergens contact (e.g. nickel and some cosmetic ingredients - especially fragrances and preservatives);
• irritants (e.g. detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, wool and synthetic fabrics, clothes that are too tight);
• pollution air (smog, cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, organic solvents);
• stressful situations;
• changes in temperature and humidity air (high temperature and low air humidity are unfavorable factors);
• sweating himself.

Where else does an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis come from: other causes

Until recently, it was believed that factors that can cause skin inflammation in a child are also food allergens (including cow's milk, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, citrus, chocolate) and inhalation allergens (dust mites, pollen, epidermis). and animal hair, especially cats), but at present this theory is considered controversial by some experts.

It is worth observing your child and reacting when you notice the first symptoms of AD on the skin. Thanks to this, you will know where the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in your child comes from and what to watch out for and what to avoid in order not to cause exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.