Atopic dermatitis, or diffuse neurodermatitis, is a pathology of the skin, manifested by severe itching, the appearance of rashes on the skin and lichenification. The disease has a cyclical, seasonal course. It proceeds for a long time, with the occurrence of exacerbations in the cold and the process calms down in the summer.
For patients with atopic dermatitis, white dermographism is characteristic.
Diffuse neurodermatitis is found among people of different age groups. Depending on this, it is divided into infant, child and adult forms. For each age phase of the disease, there are characteristic sites for the location of the rashes.
Causes of the disease
It is known that the disease is the result of an altered body reaction, pathology of the constitution and the immune system. Skin manifestations are very often combined with rhinitis or other allergic manifestations. The disease may have a hereditary predisposition.
Exacerbation can be caused by food products, preservatives and stabilizers, artificial colors, confectionery, drugs, vaccination, harmful substances in the workplace, household dust, and much more.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
Basically, the primary manifestations of the disease are found in infancy. Atopic dermatitis in infants develops with the introduction of complementary foods or infant formula. In all phases of the disease (children and adults), patients are severely itchy. In infants, dermatitis is localized on the skin of the face, neck, auricles, on the head, and skin folds.
With the transition of the disease to childhood, there are more rashes on the neck, chest, limbs, hands, in the area of bends on the limbs. The elements of the rash are characterized by lichenoid papules and lichenification. In adults, rashes are located similarly. Depending on the prevalence of the process, a limited form of dermatitis is distinguished, common and universal (erythroderma).
Treatment of atopic dermatitis in children
First of all, treatment of atopic dermatitis in children should be aimed at eliminating the causes of exacerbation. It is very important to identify the source of allergies and to limit contact with it as much as possible. A child with such a disease should be on a hypoallergenic diet with the exception of exotic foods, citrus fruits, confectionery, orange and red fruits and vegetables, dairy products. With such a diagnosis as atopic dermatitis in infants, treatment primarily includes proper nutrition, consisting of hypoallergenic milk or sour-milk mixtures and gluten-free cereals. Each introduction of a new product should be gradual, in minimal doses. If there is no reaction to them, the dose of the product is increased. Parents need to monitor the work of the intestines, regular stools. It is necessary to carry out the prevention and treatment of dysbiosis.
Drug treatment of atopic dermatitis in children implies the use of antihistamines (Suprastin, Fenkarol, Fenistil, etc.) in the normal age. These drugs interfere with the production of mediators that support inflammation, reduce tissue edema and vascular permeability, and relieve skin itching. The drugs are used in tablet form, for young children in the form of solutions for oral administration. There are antihistamine ointments.
In addition, prescribe light sedative drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system, multivitamins, sorbents, immunomodulators.
Locally, on affected areas of the skin, lotions, hormonal ointments ("Advantan", "La Cree", "Akriderm", etc.) are used. Children under two years of age do not prescribe hormonal ointments or use them as a last resort. Bepantene is used to improve tissue regeneration.
Physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, ultraviolet rays, phototherapy) relieve inflammation and improve tissue metabolism. With severe intoxication, itching, secondary infection, treatment of atopic dermatitis in children is carried out in a hospital. Conducted infusion therapy, detoxification. If necessary, hemosorption and plasmapheresis are performed to remove immune complexes and toxic substances associated with protein molecules.
Climatotherapy and sea water cause persistent remission with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Folk remedies in the form of baths with a series of herbs, chamomiles relieve inflammation and soothe the skin.