Atrophic Dermatitis occurs when the skin’s behavior is disrupted resulting in very dry, inflamed skin. Normally our skin has the ability to maintain moisture this is not the case for sufferers of atrophic dermatitis.
Atrophic dermatitis is a rather severe, usually chronic, form of common eczema. It usually occurs in skin folds and creases found on the insides of elbows, the backs of knees and hands and many different parts of the face and head. Owing to constant scratching and contact with clothes, the sores often weep or may form crusts and become painful skin lesions.
Atrophic Dermatitis is usually found in patients in early childhood up to early adulthood; however, there are cases of older adults also having this skin condition. Adults sufferers of Atrophic dermatitis do not usually suffer from the inflamed skin and flakes but only suffer extremely dry, sensitive skin which is easily irritated.
What Are The Triggers Of Atrophic Dermatitis
There are basically three trigger types of atrophic dermatitis these are: 1. Allergens: Allergens are found and absorbed from food, beverages or medications. There are other types of allergens in the environment which are derived from animal dander and pollen. Medication that can cause an allergic reaction include antibiotics, anesthetics, sleeping pills, aspirin, laxatives, anti-depressants and many more
2. Irritants and : Irritants of atrophic dermatitis are smoke, fumes, solvents, chemicals, soaps and detergents, alcohol based products and many others. Dust can also make the rash worse and so can stress and climate changes.
3. Infections: Infections of bacterial, fungal or viral, can cause flare ups although not as common as the other triggers
Atrophic Dermatitis Treatment
The best way to treat Atrophic dermatitis is to control the scratching since this can lead to further skin complications, resulting in infections and rarely, life threatening conditions. The best way is to keep the individual’s skin moist. This can be done by applying prescribed ointments and lotions several times a day even if there are no flare ups. Naturally, vigilance is also needed in monitoring the environment of the person who suffers from atrophic dermatitis.
Owing to the fact that contact with clothing and bed linen can cause irritation. It is necessary that all clothes and beddings need to be washed with hypo allergenic detergents to prevent flare ups. The same applies for personal soaps and shampoos that the patient uses, they should contain little or no allergens to avoid allergic reactions. The temperature of shower or bath water must not be too hot as this can dry skin and provoke flare ups. In addition it is highly recommended that the patient embark on a complete dietary change, avoiding all processed, fatty foods and concentrate on eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as this will provide the body with all the nutrient for good health, whilst ridding the body of any toxic build up.
Unfortunately, we can only hope to control and manage atrophic dermatitis. Scientists continue to work on a cure or means of prevention but no conclusive results have been made yet..
