Atopic dermatitis in adults: treatment, photo, menu

Throughout his life, a person acquires many diseases, but there is a group of diseases that are inherited. One of these diseases is atopic dermatitis in adult patients (pictured).

The incidence of dermatitis among adults is 5-10%, but in countries with a developed industrial system, the incidence can reach 20.

Every year more and more cases of atopic dermatitis are observed. As a rule, atopic dermatitis rarely occurs as an independent disease. In 35% of cases, it is complicated by asthmatic diseases, 25% belongs to rhinitis, and 10% to pollinosis. Women get sick much more often than men.

Factors for the development of atopic dermatitis

This disease is most often inherited - from mother to child. As a rule, most of the patients who suffered from atopic dermatitis in childhood observe similar symptoms already as adults. Often, as a result of atopic dermatitis, there are reasons for the occurrence of allergies and asthmatic diseases.

The most common causes of atopic dermatitis are:

• genetic predisposition;
• hypersensitivity of the skin;
• functional and biochemical disorders of the epidermis;
• sometimes the causes of the disease are directly related to stressful situations and psycho-emotional stress;
• improper nutrition;
• poor ecological situation (pictured).

In addition, numerous allergens can trigger atopic dermatitis in adults. (animal waste products, dust mites, synthetics, pharmaceuticals, plants and etc.).

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis

The main symptoms of the disease are expressed by the following manifestations:

• excruciating itching is observed, which most often manifests itself at night. This can cause scratching and lead to the development of staphylococcal and streptococcal infections;
• the patient has an increased dryness of the skin. In this case, the skin begins to peel off and its color may change;
• in adult patients, atopic dermatitis is characterized by hyperemic rash in the acute period. It is characteristic that if in infancy the rash is localized in the popliteal cavity, on the arms and legs, then in adults a denser structure and relief appears (pictured).

At every age, there are characteristic symptoms. In newborns, they appear as red spots only on the face, arms and legs. During adolescence, the rash is pronounced on the arms and neck. In adults, rashes can appear on any part of the body, but most often on the head, hands, elbows, face, neck and legs. Very rarely, a rash appears on the back, chest and feet.

Atopic dermatitis treatment for adults

Therapeutic measures in order to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are prescribed taking into account the severity of the disease, the presence of chronic infections and the age of the patient. Typically, the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults today involves the use of many drugs that act in different directions.

These include:

• first of all, antihistamines are prescribed (Fenkarol, Zyrtec, Cetirizin, Tavegil, etc.), which can neutralize the acute symptoms of the disease. It is important to take into account that first-generation anti-allergic drugs have a number of side effects in the form of lethargy, drowsiness and inability to concentrate. In addition to antihistamines, it is recommended to take membrane stabilizers (Ketotifen, etc.). Drugs in this group smooth out the immune response to the allergen;

• it is imperative to treat dysbiosis, since the beneficial intestinal microflora is suppressed by numerous pharmacological drugs. Most often, the course of Khilak, Linex, etc. is prescribed. In addition, together with dysbiosis, enzyme preparations Mezim-forte, Panzinorm, Festal, etc. are prescribed;
• in the case when atopic dermatitis is accompanied by a secondary infection, and complicated symptoms of the disease, treatment with antibacterial agents is recommended (Erythromycin, Sumamed and others). When weeping wounds and hard scabs appear, therapy with anti-inflammatory and disinfectants is recommended. Wiping the skin with a brewed solution of pharmacy chamomile has a positive effect;

• if an acute attack of the disease has developed as a result of a stressful situation, cure the dermatitis, in accordance with the doctor's appointments, in complex therapy, you can take sedative tablets as prescribed by a doctor - Novopassit, Persen, infusion valerian, motherwort;
• treatment of adult patients and children is often carried out with steroids, both general and local. However, before using hormonal ointments, a number of contraindications for their appointment should be taken into account. Glucocorticosteroid drugs (Lokoid, Advantan) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in young children are allowed from 6 months. After reaching 2 years of age, Elokom, Momat and Latikort can be used. In adulthood, hormonal ointments Mometasone, Triderm and Celestoderm are prescribed. In case of ineffectiveness of treatment with the above pharmaceutical agents, the appointment of Interferon and Cyclosporin is recommended. It should be remembered that, despite the effectiveness, steroid drugs are allowed to be used for a short time;

• in addition to steroid drugs, non-hormonal ointments and creams (Eplan-cream, Bepanten, Pantoderm, Panthenol, Skin-Cap cream) are actively used in the treatment of dermatitis. Exoderil antifungal cream is often used. Non-hormonal external agents (ointments and creams) have less effect on dermatitis, but they are preferred for therapy, since they have practically no side effects.

To strengthen the body's defenses, vitamins (B, C, E) are prescribed. Vitamins can be taken both orally and by injection. In addition, therapy with medications, including ointment and cream, involves the implementation of physiotherapy (magnetotherapy and phototherapy). With the development of an allergic reaction to drugs, reflexology and treatment with homeopathic remedies are recommended.

Folk remedies for atopic dermatitis

Folk remedies (fees, lotions, compresses) have a positive effect in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, it should be remembered that they can treat children and adults only in combination with traditional therapy.

The following folk recipes are most commonly used:

LOTION. You can cure dermatitis by using a medicated lotion as an adjuvant. In order to prepare it, you should take 1 tbsp. l. Veronica officinalis and pour 200 ml of it. hot water. The solution is left to infuse for 3-4 hours, after which it is filtered. It is recommended to rub the affected skin with the prepared lotion up to 6 times a day. The medicinal solution is absolutely safe and has no side effects.

COMRESS. It is recommended to use compresses from folk remedies in the treatment. A compress with raw potatoes, which is very easy to make at home, has a positive effect. It is necessary to wipe 1 raw potato (pre-washed and peeled), wrapped in gauze and applied overnight to the affected area. You can make a cucumber compress in the same way.

OINTMENT (ANTI-DRUG). To relieve itching and skin flushing, it is recommended to prepare a special ointment. You need to take 1 tablespoon of butter and glycerin. + 2 tbsp each chamomile, fireweed and pre-boiled hay dust. Chamomile and fireweed must be filled with 800 ml. boiling water and boil over a fire for at least 10 minutes, after which dust, glycerin and oil are added to the solution. The mass is boiled down over low heat until it becomes a thick porridge. Store the prepared ointment in a cool dark place. It is recommended to lubricate the affected areas up to 4-5 times a day.

FOR INTERNAL RECEPTION. Folk recipes provide for any form of treatment, including oral administration. To prepare a medicinal solution for oral administration, you can take equal proportions of herbal powder:

peppermint, tricolor violet, oregano, elecampane root and chamomile. This mixture should be poured with hot water in a ratio of 1 hour. l: 1 tbsp. boiling water. After cooling and straining, the solution is recommended to be taken in 100 ml. after eating.

In addition, reviews of patients note the relief of the general condition after ingestion of a decoction of unrefined oats. To prepare the solution, oats are taken and poured with water in a ratio of 1: 5, after which the solution is boiled for 10 minutes, and then squeezed out until mucus is obtained. It is recommended to take this remedy for 1 month before meals. Adults - 2 tbsp. spoon, children - 1 tbsp.

It should be borne in mind that the treatment of atopic dermatitis with traditional therapy and folk recipes is quite long process and important importance in it is assigned to the clear implementation of all medical recommendations and compliance with hypoallergenic diet.

Recommended diet

Diet for atopic dermatitis in adults is a prerequisite for treatment. It should be borne in mind that with atopic dermatitis, adults should have a balanced diet in order to maintain the necessary complex of vitamins and minerals.

With the development of an atopic form of the disease, foods that cause an acute allergic attack should be excluded from the diet. The most common provocateurs of the disease are:

• canned and pickled foods;
• sausages and smoked meats;
• milk products;
• chicken eggs;
• you can not eat fatty fish and meat;
• citrus fruits, strawberries;
• brightly colored vegetables and fruits (including freshly squeezed juices);
• sauces, hot spices;
• beekeeping products, chocolate, nuts, cocoa;
• red wine, soda, fast foods.

SAMPLE MENU IN TABLE FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS FOR ADULTS:

A nursing woman should exclude white bread and whole milk from the menu. Patients with atopic dermatitis need to include foods with unsaturated fatty acids, which are present in fish, in their diet. However, it is highly allergenic, so it is recommended to use vegetable oils enriched with omega acids, which are abundant in linseed oil and olive oil.

In addition, food should contain fermented milk products, since it contains useful trace elements that are not received by the body as a result of intolerance to cow's milk. An additional advantage of fermented milk products is their beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, since dysbiosis contributes to the complicated course of the disease.

It is recommended to cook food in a steam bath, as this method of cooking reduces the allergenicity of the food. Sometimes a patient who cannot eat fresh red vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) responds normally to eating heat-treated vegetables.

Preventive actions

1. To prevent the appearance of atopic dermatitis, it is recommended to spend a lot of time outdoors, to practice dosed physical activity, rest in a maritime climate, since the sea air has a beneficial effect on organism.
2. Atopic dermatitis requires the elimination of synthetic clothes and bedding. Patients are advised to use natural cosmetic products without adding fragrances and dyes.
3. Temperature extremes should be avoided and pets that can provoke an allergic reaction should be avoided.

It is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations when treating the disease with traditional therapy and folk remedies. This is the only way to prevent relapses of atopic dermatitis and get the most positive result.