Atopy is a tendency to forma allergy when the body is in contact with outside and atopic dermatitis is the skin manifestation. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder where the primary problems are the barrier dysfunction. Your skin is basically like a wall,it has a brick and motar arrangement, where the bricks are the skin and the mortar which is holding the skin is the natural moisturizing factor. Natural moisturizing factor is composed of ceramides and free fatty acids in an equimolar ratio of 3:1:1.the primary defect in atopy is due to some genetic reason. There is a dysfunction in the synthesis as well as the quality of these natural moisturizing factor which is deficient in these children. So if the motar is not great, anything can penetrate the wall and cause allergy. The first thing which we can do for prevention is to use a moisturizer, rather to replenish the n natural moisturizing factor with a moisturizer that resembles chemically the equimolar ratio of the natural factors. A good moisturizer would form the corner stone for prevention of atopic dermatitis. Number 2, these children do secrete the natural moisturizing factor, although in less quantities.so we have to follow certain precautions to prevent further drying up of skin. We have to give bath to these children for as minimum time as possible, say for 5 -10 minutes, using a cleanser or a soap that is not dry. I would prefer a syndet over a soap. As they are soap from we should prefer a paraben free and a soap free syndet or a body wash. We have to use small quantities of it contrary to the traditional Indian practices of using lot of soap. And we have to minimse applying lot of soap and water. So use a good soap, use in minimum quantities. Do not extend the bath beyond 5 – 10 minutes. Make sure you pat dry the child and apply minimum moisturizer once after bath and once before you sleep. Few tips to prevent the exacerbation is do not make them wear clothes, the ones which are made of wool and hoissery and fabric. Its only 100% cotton which is preferred in these children. Number 2, avoid using fabric conditioners, fragrances, dettols, salons, antiseptic solutions. We should not allow them to play in the sand as sand has an abrasive effect on the skin. Number 4, try to keep the environment as humid as possible. Use humidifier an air humidifier if you are staying in a not so humid like Bangalore. Number 5, make sure that you use the moisturiser more frequently.
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