Atopic dermatitis: causes and treatment

Your kid has risen in the morning in a cheerful mood, like he does every day. A new day is beginning and, as usual, he is raring to go. However, he feels slightly itchy on some parts of his body, and there are several rashes on his skin. And no, these are not simple mosquito bites. He’s scratching because it’s itchy and the swelling is getting bigger and more uncomfortable. So you decide to take him to your GP and, after the relevant tests, he is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and you don’t know exactly what this is.

Today, in Probelte Pharma’stherapeutic nutrition blog, we tell you about the causes and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

What is atopic dermatitis?

Let’s start by explaining this problem. Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease or disorder that appears on the face and body of babies and young children, and can persist into adolescence or adulthood if not properly treated. Unfortunately, it is a hereditary disease, so if either parent has had similar episodes during childhood, it is likely to be passed on to their children during their lifetime.

These rashes or eczema mainly affect the scalp, face, torso and around the flexor surfaces of the body such as elbows and knees. It is estimated that between 5 and 10 percent of Spanish children may suffer from atopic dermatitis and require treatment for this condition.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Dermatologists are yet to find the causes of atopic dermatitis, although a number of genetic and environmental factors are known to trigger this disease. These factors can be divided into:

• Genetic: research has shown that if parents have atopic dermatitis or even asthma, their children are very likely to develop this condition. Furthermore, there are several studies that state that the mother being at an advanced age at the time of birth may also be considered another cause.
• Climate: cities with colder climates, in industrial and therefore polluted environments, increase the likelihood of suffering from atopic dermatitis. So it is important to keep bedrooms at a temperature of 18-22 °C, with relative humidity of 40-60%.
• Others: There are a number of factors that can exacerbate or trigger this disease such as food allergies, dry skin, insomnia or coming into contact with fabrics such as wool and nylon. Although it has not been conclusively shown that having allergies to certain substances is one of the causes, it does increase its effects.

How is atopic dermatitis treated?

There is no single treatment for atopic dermatitis as there is no cure as such. The aim is to control flare-ups, providing relief for the patient and improving their quality of life. Currently, topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, with the specific type used depending on the type of eczema and the affected area. Eating certain foods helps to reduce its effects while reducing recurrences. One such food is the pomegranate. This fruit contains punicalagins, polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Human studies have shown that punicalagins have a beneficial effect on atopic dermatitis.

Probelte Pharma recommends using our Keriba Duo food supplement. It is composed of natural extracts obtained from the fresh fruits of the olive (Olea europaea) and the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). One capsule a day helps to relieve and improve dermatological problems and promote healthy skin.  Additionally, for skin care, we recommend using regular bath gels, and to avoid rubbing and drying the infected area too hard to prevent itching.