DID YOU KNOW THAT ATOPIC DERMATITIS CAN TRIGGER ASTHMA, RHINITIS AND ALLERGIES? FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES IT!

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin disease that can severely affect a person's quality of life. Often, this condition is underestimated due to its cutaneous nature, but what many do not know is that it can have a broader impact on health. In this blog, we will explore in detail the relationship between atopic dermatitis and other conditions, such as asthma, rhinitis and allergies. In addition, we will discuss the possible causes of atopic dermatitis and how this condition is treated.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation and itching. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is more common in children and tends to improve with age. Typical symptoms include dry skin, redness, intense itching and rashes.

Factors triggering Atopic Dermatitis

Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition plays an essential role in the development of atopic dermatitis. People with a family history of atopic dermatitis are more likely to suffer from it.

2.    Impairment of the cutaneous barrier: The skin plays a crucial role as a protective barrier that shields the body from irritants, allergens and environmental pathogens. In atopic dermatitis, this skin barrier is compromised. Affected skin tends to be drier and prone to moisture loss, making it more susceptible to the penetration of irritants and allergens.

3.    Abnormal Immune Response: In people with atopic dermatitis, the immune system responds abnormally to environmental stimuli and microorganisms. An exaggerated immune response is triggered in the skin, including the release of proinflammatory cytokines. This process leads to chronic inflammation of the skin and the characteristic symptoms of the disease, such as redness and itching.

4.    Exposure to Irritants and Allergens: Exposure to irritants and allergens present in the environment can trigger outbreaks of atopic dermatitis. Common irritants include detergents, harsh soaps, chemicals and wool. Allergens can include pollen, dust and dust mites, which can cause an allergic skin reaction.

5.    Scratching Cycle: Intense itching is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Constant scratching of the affected skin can further damage the skin barrier and aggravate inflammation. This cycle of itching and scratching can exacerbate symptoms and hinder skin recovery.

6.    Skin infections: Inflamed and damaged skin in people with atopic dermatitis becomes more prone to skin infections of bacterial, viral or fungal origin. These infections may worsen symptoms and require additional treatment.

7.    Environmental Factors: Climate and humidity variations can influence the severity of atopic dermatitis. In general, dry and cold weather tends to aggravate symptoms, while sun exposure and humidity may have a beneficial effect.

In summary, atopic dermatitis is characterized as a multifactorial disease involving genetic factors, impairment of the skin barrier, an abnormal immune response and exposure to irritants and allergens.

Relationship with other atopic diseases

What makes atopic dermatitis especially challenging is its tendency to be associated with other atopic diseases. These conditions share similarities in their underlying mechanisms and often coexist in the same individual. Some of the more common atopic diseases that may be related to atopic dermatitis include:

Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways and can cause shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Up to 72% of people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis may also develop asthma.

Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and nasal discharge. Atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis often go hand in hand, as both are driven by similar inflammatory processes.

3.    Allergic Conjunctivitis: This condition involves inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It may cause eye itching, redness and excessive tearing.

4.    Food Allergies: Food allergies are most common in people with atopic dermatitis. Symptoms can range from mild, such as itchy mouth, to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

5.    Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Chronic rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain and persistent nasal discharge. This condition may be more common in people with atopic dermatitis.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Common approaches include:

 Moisturizing the skin with emollient creams and ointments.

 Use of topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

 Avoid known triggers, such as allergens or skin irritants.

 Ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) in severe cases.

 Immunosuppressive drugs in exceptional situations.

The role of the immune system

Another crucial aspect of atopic dermatitis is the immune system. In people with this condition, the immune system can become dysfunctional and overreact to certain triggers. This leads to an excessive inflammatory response in the skin, causing the characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as itching and redness.

BIRM is a 100% natural product that powerfully balances the Immune System allowing people who take it to have the necessary defenses to prevent and fight diseases.

If you have any questions you can contact Dr. Edwin Cevallos by writing to consultas@birm.com.ec.