Although atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease, with correct understanding and scientific management, patients can completely control the condition and improve their quality of life. Every year, World Atopic Dermatitis Day is an important time to remind us of this disease and raise public awareness. In this episode, we will talk about this topic.
Online big doctor: Su Huichun
Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University
Deputy Director of the Department, Chief Physician, Master's Supervisor
Topic of this issue: Special topic of atopic dermatitis day
World Atopic Dermatitis Day
World Atopic Dermatitis Day is celebrated annually on 14 September, which has been celebrated since 2018 to raise global awareness of atopic dermatitis and highlight the multifaceted burden the disease places on patients and families. Atopic dermatitis, also known as "atopic dermatitis" or "atopic eczema", is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease with a high incidence worldwide, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients.
Basic features of atopic dermatitis
The main features of atopic dermatitis include dry skin, chronic eczema-like lesions, and marked pruritus. The clinical presentation is varied, but the most basic features are dry skin, chronic eczema-like lesions, and unbearable pruritus. Atopic dermatitis is not limited to certain age groups, but can occur in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Clinical manifestations vary by age, such as rashes on the cheeks, forehead, and scalp in infancy, and may involve the cubital fossa, popliteal fossa, and face in adulthood.
Pathogenesis and influencing factors
The exact pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be related to genetic, environmental, and immune abnormalities, skin barrier dysfunction, and skin microbiota disorders. Patients with atopic dermatitis often have other allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, etc., and the presence of these diseases further demonstrates the systemic features of atopic dermatitis. In addition, environmental factors such as climate change, seasonal changes, exposure to allergens, etc., may also induce or exacerbate symptoms.
Prevention and treatment
The key to preventing atopic dermatitis is to reduce external irritation, maintain the integrity of the skin barrier function, and avoid contact with allergens. Specific precautions include: choosing loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding harsh chemicals, keeping skin moisturized, and eating wisely. For patients with pre-existing disease, treatment principles include general care, medication, and physical therapy. General treatments emphasize moisturizing the skin, avoiding scratching and rubbing, and adjusting diet. Medications include topical drugs such as glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors, as well as oral medications such as allergy drugs and immunosuppressants. In certain cases, physical therapy such as ultraviolet radiation is also an effective option.
Long-term management and life care
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent disease that requires long-term and standardized management. Patients should establish a sense of long-term management, develop the habit of regular follow-up, and gradually reduce the dosage of drugs under the guidance of doctors to avoid recurrence of the disease caused by self-discontinuation of drugs. In addition, good lifestyle habits are also essential to prevent recurrence of atopic dermatitis. Patients should keep their skin moisturized, avoid excessive bathing and hot washing, choose hypoallergenic and non-irritating toiletries, and use adequate amounts of moisturizing emollients immediately after bathing. At the same time, avoid excessive scratching and rubbing, and trim your nails regularly to reduce the risk of exacerbation of skin lesions and secondary infection.
Disclaimer
This article aims to popularize health science, to help you understand diseases and medications, the content of popular science can not replace the doctor's diagnosis and treatment opinions, for reference only, if you have related health problems, please consult a doctor in time.
Introduced by the doctor
Su Huichun
Union Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University Introduced talents, deputy director of the department, chief physician, master supervisor, Peking Union Medical College Tsinghua University Medical Center Excellent doctoral student, senior visiting scholar and postdoctoral fellow of the Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charite Hospital in Germany, member of the dermatology allergy group of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, national youth member of the Allergy Branch of the Chinese Research Society, national youth member of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association and the Dermatology Branch of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, member of the Standing Committee of the Dermatology Branch of the Chinese Women Physicians Association, He is a member of the Standing Committee of the Editorial Board of JACI Chinese Edition. He has been engaged in clinical work for more than 20 years, served as the deputy director of Fujian Institute of Dermatology, studied in the Department of Dermatology of Peking University First Hospital and the Dermatology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and studied clinical and scientific research with Marcus Maurer, a world-renowned professor of urticaria in Germany, and is good at the diagnosis and treatment of various allergic and immune skin diseases. He has presided over and participated in more than 10 national and provincial projects, participated in the compilation of 3 dermatology books, and participated in the publication of more than 40 articles in core journals at home and abroad (including JID, Allergy, JACI, JACI-pratice and other journals), including more than 30 first authors and corresponding authors (including Allergy, JID, Dermatitis, IVJID, EJD, etc.).