Atopic dermatitis: everything you need to know about this pathology!

Does atopic dermatitis mean nothing to you? However, you probably know someone who suffers from it! This dermatological pathology is characterized by dry skin as well as the appearance of eczema -type lesions, which causes itching, redness and crusts. Babies and children, as well as some adults, can suffer from it.

Therefore, to effectively treat atopic dermatitis, it is important to know more about this skin disease.

Discover in this article the causes of atopic dermatitis, its symptoms, and of course, its prevention and treatment methods.

Definition

Also called atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis is a skin pathology which is one of the most common pathologies in children. It can be detected very early: in the first months of life!

Parents, be vigilant when taking care of your children's skin.

Most of the time, atopic dermatitis disappears with age, but it can reactivate in adulthood.

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

How do you know if you have atopic dermatitis? Please note that the first signs can already be visible in children from 3 months or even, in certain cases, from the first days of life.

Red patches are observed on the forehead, cheeks, and sometimes on the baby's limbs. In adulthood, the lesions persist much more in women, and particularly affect the knees , the bends of the elbows , and the face . There are even cases where the entire body is affected.

Atopic dermatitis is subtle: it generally develops in the form of flare-ups interspersed with phases of calm and remission. Even if it calms down for a while, continue to take care of your skin, because it can return at any time, lurking in the shadows...

It often begins with the appearance of the following signs:

• itching that even disrupts your sleep;
• redness of the skin;
• dry skin called Xerosis;
• an appearance of crusts on the ruptured vesicles;
• slight elevations that form on the skin;
• vesicles in the form of small bubbles visible in some people, which release a translucent fluid which oozes when they rupture.

These symptoms are uncomfortable and may persist, but don't worry, atopic dermatitis remains a mild illness.

The causes of atopic dermatitis

Why do we suffer from atopic dermatitis? The causes of this skin pathology are multiple. It can be due to genetic , environmental factors, or even allergenic substances . Furthermore, these factors can add up, which risks making crises worse.

• Genetic Predisposition

If you have a parent who suffers from atopic eczema or who suffers from associated conditions such as food allergies , allergic rhinitis or asthma , you are likely to develop atopic dermatitis.

Allergic rhinitis may be linked to a genetic predisposition

This predisposition results from a fragile skin barrier and elements of the immune system that become excessively activated.

Thus, upon contact with certain substances which may be completely harmless, the immune system will defend the body as if it were the end of the world!

• Environmental factors

A dry climate , living in an urban area (pollution), contact with certain allergens (chemicals, pollen, etc.) are also risk factors for contracting atopic dermatitis.

Furthermore, exposure to infrared rays from the sun can aggravate dermatitis, because it often leads to overproduction of heat.

How to prevent atopic dermatitis?

Primary prevention is difficult. For what ? Because as mentioned, the cause is often genetic, and unfortunately there is nothing we can do at this level at the moment! On the other hand, prevention of flare-ups is possible, by respecting the following measures:

• Avoid smoking;
• Rinse properly after bathing in the sea since salt causes skin irritation;
• Ventilate the room in summer and winter;
• Wear cotton clothing preferably;
• Use organic and natural shampoos for washing hair;
• Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free soap for the skin;
• Have a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, get enough sleep, hydrate properly, etc.)

How to treat atopic dermatitis?

It is possible to get rid of atopic dermatitis, which sometimes poisons our daily lives. Natural products are the best treatment for breakouts. Indeed, don't forget that natural is just as effective, and above all healthier for the body!

First, opt for treatments rich in soothing , anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients. For example, ingredients such as Aloe vera, shea butter, sea buckthorn vegetable oil and Tamanu vegetable oil have an excellent moisturizing and soothing effect. They help to strengthen the skin barrier to prevent it from letting in allergens or other triggers that will cause the immune system to react.

Also rely on essential oils such as Roman chamomile HE , matricaria chamomile HE, Yarrow HE, etc. The latter, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, restorative and soothing properties, will relieve your skin and avoid secondary infections due to scratching.

Be careful though, essential oils should be handled sparingly and not recommended for pregnant women.

The Olie Neela routine

Our Olie Neela products contain the 100% natural ingredients mentioned above and are specially formulated for people suffering from atopic dermatitis.

We offer you a routine with our range to effectively treat atopic dermatitis while taking care of your skin and your beauty.

Start by using Olie Neela's oil cocktail to apply before showering. This product prevents the skin from suffering the drying effect of soaps.

After the shower, you can use the Rescue Essential balm or the “Sooth” fluid cream to moisturize and nourish the skin of the face.

The “Hydrate” body lotion , as its name suggests, deeply hydrates the skin of the body, thus filling in water losses at this level.

Finally, to nourish and strengthen the skin, use the ultra nourishing “Nourris” butter, rich in essential fatty acids which helps restore the skin barrier.

For even more tips on regaining control over your eczema, follow our comprehensive guide .