Allergic dermatitis , or Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic, inflamed skin rash that is very itchy. It often occurs on the body or in various areas of the body. It is a close disease and occurs in people of all genders and ages. But very few people are aware and understand that the symptoms occur or may not know that they have this disease. Therefore did not receive appropriate treatment. Can cause chronic symptoms
Assoc. Prof. Rattanawalai Nitiyarom, Lecturer in Dermatology Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital Mentioning the incidence of this disease: Atopic dermatitis is a common disease. It can be said to be one of the most popular diseases among Thai children today. The incidence of this disease depends on the age group. In Thai children, it is found at about 9-17 percent. In adults, it is found at about 10-15 percent. With 85 percent found in children in the first 5 years.
Characteristics of skin rashes
As for the appearance of skin allergy rashes in patients, there are 3 types:
- The acute phase is a swollen, red rash with small blisters. Some people may have lymph fluid oozing out. very itchy
- The subacute phase is a red rash, blisters, dry, scaly, some scaly, and very itchy.
- The chronic stage means the rash is not very red or brown in color. May be thickly raised and the skin grooves are clearly visible. Severe itching. Some patients with chronic conditions have severe itching that affects their life and family. As well as affecting confidence and social integration. Some patients may choose to wear clothing that covers many areas of their skin. body parts due to shyness leading to an impact on the mental state Stress, worry, and eventually lead to depression.
Causes of allergic rashes
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pappapit Tuchinda, Head of the Department of Skin Allergy and immunology Department of Dermatology Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital said there is no clear cause for this disease. It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- genetic factors This is an internal factor in patients who develop skin abnormalities along with abnormalities of the body’s immune system. In the case that one parent has an allergic disease, including food allergies, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. A child has a 38% chance of having atopic dermatitis, but if both parents have a history of allergic diseases. Your child’s chance of developing atopic dermatitis increases by 58 percent, but this doesn’t happen to everyone.
- There are environmental factors that trigger symptoms to relapse. Each patient has different stimulating factors. Common stimulating factors include extreme heat or cold weather. skin infection Allergies to certain foods, such as eggs, cow’s milk, or wheat flour. Allergies to certain chemicals. Wearing irritating clothes or exposure to substances that cause irritation,โปรโมชั่น ufabet etc.
Symptoms of allergic dermatitis
The first important symptoms of atopic dermatitis are:
- Itching
- Dry, rough, flaky skin
- There is a clear, red, inflamed rash that can be seen with the naked eye.
For children with allergic rashes. It can be observed from the location of the rash. That will appear close together, such as
- Cheek area
- around the lips
- The outer areas of the arms, legs, elbows, knees, hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and all joints.
- Some people may develop a rash in the form of patches on their legs.
- Itchy rash on the scalp and around the ears
- In older children and adults. Rashes can be found in the folds of arms, legs, neck, hands, and feet.
- Some people may have dry, cracked skin on their feet, which can cause pain when walking.
However, although this disease is chronic and comes and goes, most children with this disease get better as they grow older. Good skin care Avoid factors that will trigger symptoms to worsen. and the use of topical medicines appropriately It will allow the patient to control the symptoms of the disease so well that they can recover from this disease.
Diagnosis of allergic rashes
Asst. Prof. Dr. Terdphong Temphak, Lecturer, Specialist in Pediatric Skin Diseases Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University Mentioning the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis: Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on clinical signs and symptoms along with history and physical examination. It is not necessary to perform a skin test on every patient. If the patient has received standard treatment correctly and appropriately. But there are more severe symptoms. have chronic symptoms or in cases where there is a history of recurrent symptoms after exposure to allergens such as food or air allergens.
It is often found that patients with food allergies associated with atopic. Dermatitis are of moderate or severe severity. The doctor may consider doing a blood test to test for antibodies to various allergens. Food allergy testing Or select additional laboratory tests as appropriate for each patient to identify triggering factors that may cause disease recurrence only in patients with such a relationship.
Treatment of allergic rashes
All three doctors said: At present, atopic dermatitis cannot be completely cured. But as you get older, your symptoms will improve. Most will be cured and can control the recurrence of the disease. Therefore, the goal of treating this disease is Trying to control the symptoms of the disease and remain in remission for as long as possible. The treatment guidelines include:
- Avoiding various factors that trigger symptoms to relapse
- Applying substances to increase skin hydration Prevent dry skin. And you shouldn’t shower too often. Because it will make the skin more dry. Only when there is inflammation on the skin is the topical medicine used to reduce inflammation. Apply to the area of the rash that is red and inflamed.
- In cases with a large rash and moderate to severe symptoms You should consult a doctor. The doctor may consider taking immune-suppressing drugs.
- At present, there is treatment by injections of biological drugs. Which is one of the advances in treatment methods. This should be under close medical supervision.