Atopic Dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases of childhood. It is a disease that manifests itself with dryness or lesions (wounds), the most prominent symptom of which is itching, and is prone to relapse.

As it may be the first sign of other allergic diseases that will develop in the later stages of life, it is of great importance that it is diagnosed early and kept under control.

Atopic Dermatitis may flare up due to decreased moisturize and increased dryness in the current winter months. Here are some things to know about the disease known as 'winter skin':

How is it different from eczema?

First of all, the term eczema is a general concept that describes irritated skin. It is divided into acute and chronic.

AD, on the other hand, is a chronic skin disease, also known as allergic or atopic eczema, and is prone to relapse.

Where is it seen in the body?

In children, on the outer surface of the face, neck, arms and legs; In adults, it mostly manifests itself as dryness on the inside of the elbows and behind the knees.

As it becomes chronic, skin thickening and recurrent inflammatory lesions occur.

What is the most important symptom?

Pruritus is one of the biggest symptoms; may cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and bleeding in the skin.

What are the criteria for diagnosis?

Itching, typical and localized lesions, chronic or chronic recurrent dermatitis, and family history of atopic disease are major criteria.

While there are many minor criteria, some of them are; xerosis, that is, skin dryness, susceptibility to skin infections, itching that increases with sweating and food allergy.

Is there a target age group?

It is more common in children than adults. It affects 10-20 percent of children and 1-3 percent of adults. However, the point that draws attention here is that the frequency of many similar diseases has increased significantly since the beginning of the 20th century.

Is there a permanent treatment?

Unfortunately not, patients are given short-term treatments. These are determined by the extent and severity of the disease and cortisone ointments or pomades may be recommended. Medicines are effective and safe if used correctly. It is a treatment process that should definitely be progressed under the supervision of a doctor.

Applicable recommendations

Take a bath with warm water once a day.

Stay away from irritating materials such as scrubs.

Use additive-free soaps and shampoos formulated for sensitive skin.

Just before leaving the bath, spread oily products on the surface of the bath water to provide more effective lubrication of the skin.

After the bath, remove the wetness with a towel and apply moisturizer right after.

The basic principle in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is moisturizing the skin and daily care. In all my articles about skin beauty, premature aging of the skin, briefly beauty, I tried to emphasize how important moisturizing is. For this reason, let's not forget how important it is to moisturize the skin at regular intervals. Because with a single moisturizer application, we can help protect our skin health and delay the premature aging process.