Skin problems always bring great discomfort to people. They can be caused by various allergenic factors, problems in the body or adverse environmental effects. Atroderma is a common phenomenon that makes the skin thinner and also reduces its protective function. Below we will talk more about atrophic dermatitis, symptoms and treatment.
What it is?
Some people may observe that their skin has become thinner and small capillaries and large blood vessels shine through them. This phenomenon is most often manifested in the lower and upper extremities; it is very rarely seen in other parts of the body. Atrophic dermatitis is considered one of the most dangerous skin pathologies.
This inflammatory process significantly reduces the protective functions of the skin. Pathology makes the skin very thin, causes discomfort and is dangerous to health by serious complications (skin atrophy). Therefore, if you suspect this disease, you need to contact a dermatologist to make a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
Features
Most often, the skin of a patient suffering from atroderma was subjected to chemical or mechanical influences. Unlike ordinary forms of dermatitis, this disease is not accompanied by itching and rash, but in the absence of the necessary therapy, it can provoke serious complications. Treatment of atrophic dermatitis is carried out comprehensively, and all measures are agreed with the doctor.
Sometimes the disease is hereditary. Atroderma develops in childhood and proceeds throughout life, while periods of remission and exacerbation alternate. Repeated manifestation is most often observed when the skin interacts with chemicals or with mechanical damage. The individual characteristics of the body and the stage of the disease directly affect the symptoms and treatment. A photo of atrophic dermatitis can be seen below.
Stages
There are three stages of this disease:
- Redness of the skin. Affected areas still do not differ in their functions from a healthy epidermis, but already have a crimson-red or cyanotic-red hue.
- Infiltration. In addition to redness, edema appears, the skin glistens and stretches, grooves are smoothed, tension is visible that cannot be removed with cosmetics.
- Progressive atrophic. Through the skin vessels are visible, if you take the skin "in a fold", it seems that in the fingers there is an epidermis with a papillary layer. The hypodermis and the reticular layer are compacted, a large number of folds appear, the skin becomes flabby.
If there is no treatment, the disease becomes chronic. Neurological pain and chills begin to appear, as well as atrophy of the affected areas of the epidermis. As a rule, pathology first affects the skin of the lower extremities, then the upper ones. The disease begins with the feet and hands. In the photo of atrophic dermatitis, you can see a typical picture of development.
Symptoms
In each case, the development of pathology is accompanied by various symptoms. It all depends on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the body. The disease manifests itself gradually and in the initial stages does not cause cause for concern. Gradually, in some parts of the body, small redness appears, eventually acquiring a crimson-red or cyanotic-red hue.
Other symptoms of atrophic dermatitis:
- Numerous small folds, sagging, swelling in the affected area.
- Burning, itching, fever.
- Dark spots.
- Transparency of the skin, translucency of blood vessels.
In the absence of proper therapy, pain appears in the affected area, a feeling of fragility. Most often, the pathology develops on the arms and legs.
Causes
The etiology of the disease is unknown, so the method of treatment depends on the symptoms. Specialists put forward different versions, but the most common causes of atroderma include:
- Vitamin A Deficiency
- Vascular disease.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Lack of nutrients.
- Chemical or mechanical effects.
- Excessive air dryness.
- Decreased immunity.
- Cold.
- The negative impact of the environment.
- Diabetes.
The risk group includes people who have experienced infectious diseases, as well as pregnant women. In addition, the danger is great for rapidly and rapidly losing weight individuals and people experiencing severe physical exertion. Statistics show a risk of hereditary damage in case of illness of both parents - 80%, one of the parents - 56%.
Atrophic dermatitis in children
The disease manifests itself in children only if the atroderma is genetic in nature. Symptoms and the clinical picture of the pathology are similar to the manifestations of the disease in adults, the method of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the stage at which the child went to the doctor. A dermatologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. The initial appointment is usually carried out by a pediatrician or therapist.
Vaginal atrophic dermatitis
The main reason for the development of this female disease is estrogen deficiency in the body. Most often this happens after menopause. However, in some cases, a decrease in estrogen levels can occur much earlier. These include the following situations:
- ovarian removal;
- the use of drugs that reduce the production of estrogen;
- chemotherapy;
- pelvic radiation therapy;
- severe stress;
- nutritional exhaustion.
Signs of vaginal atrodermatitis are: discomfort, itching, burning, pain during intercourse, decreased interest in sex, spotting.
The main way to treat atrophic dermatitis in women is long hormone replacement therapy. Only after restoration of the normal level of estrogen can the microflora be normalized and the mucous membrane of the vagina restored. Antibacterial therapy for this disease is not used.
Diagnostics
Atrophic dermatitis causes discomfort and changes the appearance of the skin, poses a threat to the health and, in some situations, the patient’s life. Therefore, with the first symptoms of the disease, you must consult a specialist. In addition to the dermatologist, you may need to consult other doctors. But before that, he makes a clinical picture, asking the following questions:
- How long have the first signs appeared.
- Why went to the doctor now.
- What can cause the disease.
- How often the patient experiences severe physical exertion.
- Is there pain in the affected area.
- Does any of the closest relatives have atroderma?
After the survey, the doctor examines the patient and writes out directions for laboratory, as well as hardware (biopsy, dermatoscopy, etc.) studies. After diagnosis, the necessary therapy is prescribed.
How to treat
Treatment of atrophic dermatitis is a long and complex process, getting rid of the disease is possible only under the supervision of a specialist, self-medication is not recommended. Interviewing, examination and analysis will help to choose a scheme, which will include:
- Thermal methods of physiotherapy.
- Special massage course.
- Immunity enhancing drugs.
- Physiotherapy.
- The use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Sanatorium rest.
Additionally, the doctor can use external preparations, but only in case of emergency. A positive effect of treatment is possible with discipline, composure and accuracy of compliance with all doctor's prescriptions. Atrophic dermatitis not only causes discomfort, but is also dangerous to health. It does not pass on its own, therefore, qualified therapy and the observance of certain rules in the future are necessary.
Complications
With self-medication, lack of timely therapy, or with improper treatment of atrophic dermatitis, various complications can occur. The most difficult is the degeneration of the disease process in the skin, the development of tumors on this soil, both benign and malignant.
Prevention
In order to eliminate the risk of atroderma, it is necessary to follow a number of simple rules. They are especially important for those who are genetically predisposed to the disease:
- The intake of vitamins and minerals that support the immune system.
- When the first signs appear, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.
- Selection of the right skin care cosmetics.
- Try to avoid contact with chemical and mechanical irritants.
- Subcooling should not be allowed.
- Protect your skin from injury.
- Avoid serious physical exertion.
- When a disease occurs, one should strictly adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by a specialist.
- The therapeutic course should be completed completely.
Conclusion
It is impossible to cure atrophic dermatitis on your own. The treatment of the disease itself requires efforts from the patient and the doctor. The disease can occur in people of different sex and age. If you experience the first symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor.