What is Atopic Dermatitis?
It’s an inflammatory skin disease that’s not contagious and is rarely allergic which affects people with a personal or family history of atopy, with skin that’s overly reactive to a range of stimuli and whose main symptom is intense itching.
At what age does it manifest itself?
In most cases, it occurs in paediatric age and in 50% of cases it is usually resolved by puberty. In the other 50% it tends to remain latent, with possible sporadic relapses, and only a small percentage of these remain active in adulthood.
How does it manifest itself?
In the acute phases, some or all of these signs may be present: red patches (erythematous), wet, dry, highly itchy skin.
In the remission phases. the skin may not show any sign of disease, even if a reaction of hyperactivity persists.
Dott.ssa Carelli, dermatologist at Villa Ulivella e Glicini (IFCA)
Treatment
Specific emollients and detergents for atopic and acute-phase skin, including local corticosteroids.
Advice for daily life:
– Clothing made of natural fibre and in light colours should be washed with little detergent and avoiding softeners and disinfectants.
– Restrict the amount of time spend in the pool. Always take a quick shower to remove the chlorine after activity.
– Sun exposure with usual precautions.
– Go to the seaside during summer.
– Avoid smoking at home, air your home regularly and avoid carpets, mattresses, wool cushions and heavy fabric curtains.
– Avoid high temperatures indoors and dust.
– Always moisturise the skin.
– Avoid foods that can trigger itching.
Villa Ulivella e Glicini (IFCA)
Via del Pergolino, 4-6, 50139 Florence
(0039) 373 7698604
