World Atopic Eczema Day: Awareness and skin health
Every September 14th, World Atopic Eczema Day is commemorated, a fundamental date to raise awareness about one of the most common non-contagious skin conditions globally. This day seeks to sensitize society to the emotional, social, and professional impact that this condition generates in those who suffer from it, promoting greater empathy and understanding.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is defined as a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Its main manifestation is intense itching that can occur in any area of the body, frequently leading to skin lesions and wounds. It is important to note that it is not a contagious disease and usually has a significant hereditary component, which can manifest from the first year of life in nearly 60% of recorded cases.
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious and can be hereditary, affecting both children and adults at different stages of their lives.
Risk factors and main symptoms
The development of this pathology can be influenced by various environmental factors, such as cold weather, sudden temperature changes, and exposure to dust. Likewise, contact with harsh detergents or the use of synthetic fabrics can act as a trigger for outbreaks. The most frequent symptoms include:
- Presence of red or brown patches on the skin.
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin, medically known as xerosis.
- Frequent eczema flare-ups.
- Persistent and intense itching.
- In the case of babies, the appearance of small bumps on the cheek area is common.
When the condition evolves from moderate to severe, intense flare-ups can compromise the patient’s general health, sometimes being linked to other pathologies such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, various allergies, nasal polyps, and rhinosinusitis.
Professional diagnosis
For a correct approach, the diagnosis must be performed exclusively by a dermatologist. The specialist will carry out a detailed physical examination and evaluate the patient’s family and personal history to determine the presence of atopic conditions, thus ensuring appropriate and personalized treatment.
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious and can be hereditary, affecting both children and adults at different stages of their lives.
Risk factors and main symptoms
The development of this pathology can be influenced by various environmental factors, such as cold weather, sudden temperature changes, and exposure to dust. Likewise, contact with harsh detergents or the use of synthetic fabrics can act as a trigger for outbreaks. The most frequent symptoms include:
- Presence of red or brown patches on the skin.
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin, medically known as xerosis.
- Frequent eczema flare-ups.
- Persistent and intense itching.
- In the case of babies, the appearance of small bumps on the cheek area is common.
When the condition evolves from moderate to severe, intense flare-ups can compromise the patient’s general health, sometimes being linked to other pathologies such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, various allergies, nasal polyps, and rhinosinusitis.
Professional diagnosis
For a correct approach, the diagnosis must be performed exclusively by a dermatologist. The specialist will carry out a detailed physical examination and evaluate the patient’s family and personal history to determine the presence of atopic conditions, thus ensuring appropriate and personalized treatment.
