The Truth About Atopic Dermatitis: Separating Fact from Fiction

Atopic dermatitis, a persistently inflamed condition—does it ever heal?

Atopic dermatitis, characterized by itchy skin and bumps, is a common form of eczema. It often occurs during childhood. The itchiness can interfere with daily activities. There are many misconceptions about atopic dermatitis. To improve the condition effectively, it’s essential to understand accurate information.

As the summer heat intensifies, symptoms of atopic dermatitis can worsen. Therefore, it’s crucial to research accurate information about the condition to prevent its worsening.

Is atopic dermatitis incurable?

Atopic dermatitis is not an incurable disease. Typically, atopic dermatitis occurs during childhood, and statistics show that symptoms persist into adulthood for about 3 out of 10 patients. However, many adults live symptom-free for extended periods thanks to treatment.

Is dietary control necessary for atopic dermatitis?

Dietary control is more of an option than a necessity. Some people with atopic dermatitis avoid certain foods like milk, nuts, and eggs, but it’s not necessary to do so. Food allergies often disappear naturally as one grows, and it is only recommended to avoid certain foods if they cause a severe allergic reaction.

Is it okay to apply steroid ointment?

Many people are hesitant about using steroid ointments, but they can and should be applied to atopic dermatitis. Moreover, it’s advisable to apply the ointment as soon as the skin inflammation occurs. Inflamed, reddened skin can shift the body’s constitution towards atopic conditions. In addition to causing skin inflammation, it can trigger atopic immune responses in other organs, like rhinitis and asthma.

Therefore, it’s important to treat skin inflammation promptly, and steroid ointments should be applied.

How long should the ointment be applied?

Typically, when atopic lesions first appear, the ointment should be applied once or twice a day. Over time, the thickness of the lesions may decrease, at which point it’s best to stop using the ointment. However, for chronic lesions that keep recurring in the same area, even after improvement, it’s beneficial to continue applying the ointment two or three times a week. Stopping the ointment can significantly reduce the frequency of relapse.

If atopic dermatitis suddenly worsens and pustules form, it’s best to stop the ointment or cream steroids and switch to lotion, liquid steroid formulations, or wet dressings.