Atopic Dermatitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, meaning it does not disappear completely and recurs regularly. It usually starts very early, in the first years of life: 25% of children in developed countries are affected.

To fully understand atopic dermatitis, it is essential to understand the role of your skin in your health. Your epidermis is a true living armor, composed of 4 barriers that work in synergy to protect you daily:

1. the microbial barrier, a set of good bacteria that occupy the terrain to prevent undesirable microbes from settling;

2. the chemical barrier, naturally slightly acidic, to produce antimicrobial substances;

3. the physical barrier, a wall made of lipids (intercellular cement) and cells (keratinocytes) to protect against external aggressions, penetration of allergens and pathogens;

4. the immunological barrier, which represents all your local defenses (immune cells, inflammatory molecules).

In the context of atopic dermatitis, these 4 protections are weakened ! Some bad bacteria then take over, your skin becomes more permeable to microbes, your immune system overreacts and creates continuous inflammation.

What are the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

The signs of atopic dermatitis can vary from person to person, but they are often categorized into 3 main types of symptoms:

1. Intense and constant itching (pruritus): This is THE most bothersome symptom; the child (or adult) sometimes scratches until they leave marks. During a flare-up, it can even prevent sleep.

2. Eczema patches: Redness is observed in certain areas, often in the folds (elbows, knees, neck, face), sometimes with small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles).

3. Very dry skin: Even outside of flare-ups, the skin remains dry and rough. It feels tight and is very reactive to cold, wind, and harsh products.

All these symptoms then form a vicious cycle: the more you scratch, the more the skin gets damaged, and the more it gets damaged, the more it scratches!

What are the different forms of atopic dermatitis?

In infants (from 3 months), atopic dermatitis mainly affects the face with red, weeping, and very irritated patches. In children, eczema settles in the folds (elbows, knees): the skin is always dry, thickened, with intense itching.

In adolescence and adulthood, lesions spread and chronic scratching can leave marks. There are also severe and very widespread forms of atopic dermatitis, particularly linked to other allergies such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.

What are the causes and triggers?

Atopic dermatitis rarely has a single cause. It appears on an already fragile ground and can be triggered (or worsened) by several factors that combine:

• Atopic predisposition: if one of the parents suffers from eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis, there is a higher risk that the child will also develop atopic skin.

• Stress: strong emotions, fatigue, periods of overwork or tension…

• Perspiration : skin irritation during exertion or in hot weather.

• Diet: sensitivity to certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, or milk.

• Allergens : pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold…

• Irritants: household products, harsh soaps, scented detergents, synthetic fabrics…

• Certain infections : Staphylococcus aureus or herpes virus (Herpes simplex).

• An imbalanced gut microbiome: chronic inflammation due to an imbalance of good bacteria in our intestines.

What are the treatments?

To manage atopic dermatitis, healthcare professionals act on two levels: when the skin has a flare-up, and then to prevent relapses.

Most frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a specific form of severe eczema. Eczema, on the other hand, encompasses several types of inflammatory skin reactions (allergic, irritant, contact).

What moisturizer can I use?

Choose a fragrance-free emollient, formulated for atopic skin. Our Sensitélial.AD range specifically reinforces the 4 key skin barriers thanks to an innovative active ingredient: [Pro-Vitamin D].

We recommend the Sensitelial AD range