Does your skin consistently appear irritated and dry? Chances are you might be dealing with a widely common skin care concern known as Atopic Dermatitis. This skin concern is an often persistent form of eczema which can occur at any age, but mostly affects a large percentage of infants and toddlers. It makes your skin appear red, itchy and dry. We understand that this not only impacts your appearance but also elevates your worry while affecting your self-image and confidence. Recent studies have found that this chronic skin condition is usually triggered due to climate change, pollution, harsh skin care products, sensitivity to allergens etc. Similarly, another research article reveals that Atopic skin is often inherited from family.
MAIN SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis vary tremendously from one individual to another. The most common symptoms found are :
- Extremely dry skin and rashes.
- Red, brown or gray patches are most noticeable on the hands, feet, neck, upper chest, inside of the elbows and knees, face and scalp.
- Severe itching, chiefly during night.
- Small, raised bumps alongside thickened, cracked and scaly skin.
- Sensitive and swollen skin usually from excessive scratching.
EFFECTIVE TIPS
- Rehydrate your skin
- Limit bath time
- Avoid harsh soaps
- Try a gentle body wash
- Moisturize your body
1. Rehydrate your skin
Leading dermatologists reveal that the basic yet most effective treatment of Atopic dermatitis revolves under the process of rehydrating your skin. It helps in reducing any inflammation along with itching. One of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated is by including a moisturizer or cream in your skin care routine. Speaking of, many studies have insinuated that Ceramide along with Phytosterols are some of the key ingredients to look for in your cream. Together these ingredients promote a barrier repair while reducing Transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moreover, the potent anti-inflammatory properties present in these super-ingredients offer relief from rigorous itching, irritation and inflammation.
2. Limit bath time
Whilst water is an effective way to lend moisture back to your skin, excessive hours of bath or shower may perform more damage than good. An article published by the National Eczema Association elucidates that excessive contact with water can lead to flare-ups and increase in irritation for people experiencing atopic dermatitis. The article further explains that an excess contact with water causes your skin to lose its moisture content and even more dry and inflamed. Furthermore, using improper bathing techniques or over exfoliating your skin can also lead to flare-ups. As a consequence, we would advise you to limit your bath or shower time to 10-15 mins.
3. Avoid harsh soaps
Are you in a habit of using soap to clean your body? If so, then it is high time you reconsider your self-care practices. Studies have found that certain deodorant and antibacterial soaps can remove natural oils from your epidermis. This ultimately leads to excessive dry skin which is especially damaging for people who are dealing with atopic skin. Avoiding the habit of using a soap bar is the best way to keep your skin healthy and the natural oils intact.
4. Try a gentle body wash
An easily available and gentle replacement for soap bars are body wash. Body wash helps to cleanse away the dirt and residues from your body without stripping away the natural oils. Various research studies unravel that Oatmeal and Calendula are excellent ingredients present in a body wash for people with atopic skin. Together these ingredients provide relief to itchy and irritated skin. The study further explains that the anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal helps to repair, soothe and cure atopic skin. Whereas, the super ingredient Calendula offers a healing effective along with deep regeneration to your skin on a cellular level.
5. Moisturize your body
Moisturizing your body with a hydrating body lotion is pertinent for people with atopic skin, chiefly after taking a shower or bath. A body lotion helps to restore the hydration of your skin while offering a relief from severe irritation or inflammation. Top specialists unfold the key ingredients to seek out in a body lotion. According to the experts, Gamma Linoleic Acid and Colloidal Oatmeal are some of the wonder ingredients present in a body lotion for atopic skin. Together these ingredients help in strengthening your skin barrier functions while healing eczema-prone skin.
Whilst dealing with atopic skin can become overwhelming, including these potent steps in your everyday skin care routine will surely help you cure it effectively. Remember, neglecting this skin care concern may lead to more skin damage. If you continue to experience this skin concern despite following these steps for a while or experience any discomfort, then we would advise you to immediately consult your doctor. Doing so will prevent any impending skin damage while helping you receive a personal line of treatment.
