Why does the skin itch unbearably in autumn? Beware of atopic dermatitis

After the beginning of autumn, many people will feel that their skin becomes particularly dry and itchy, and even a red spot will appear when scratched. Dr. Sun Zhanxue, chief physician of the Department of Dermatology at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Oriental Hospital, reminds us: This may be atopic dermatitis. So, what is atopic dermatitis? How to determine whether you have atopic dermatitis? What are some small external treatment methods? Listen to what the experts say.

Atopic dermatitis has three characteristics

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a common chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease in dermatology, often accompanied by allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, but it has a genetic tendency. If a direct relative suffers from atopic dermatitis, you should be vigilant.

To identify whether you have atopic dermatitis, you must grasp the characteristics of "severe itching", "dryness" and "eczematous skin lesions".

Itch is the most common symptom of atopic dermatitis, which can be triggered by cold or hot stimulation, sweating, mood changes, contact with wool fabrics, and paroxysms of severe itching may occur at night and before going to bed.

The skin is an important barrier that separates the human body from the outside world. The skin barrier dysfunction in patients with atopic dermatitis can lead to increased water loss, dry skin, and shedding of scales.

Atopic dermatitis can be divided into three stages according to age. In infancy (birth to 2 years old), skin lesions are more common on the cheeks, forehead and scalp, and are divided into exudative, dry and seborrheic types according to the characteristics of the lesions; in childhood (2 to 12 years old), skin lesions are divided into eczematous type (similar to chronic and subacute eczema in adults) and prurigo type (scattered itchy papules all over the body) according to the manifestations of skin lesions; in adolescence and adulthood (over 12 years old), most of the lesions are localized dry lesions, erythema or papules, lichenification, accompanied by grayish-white scales and pigmentation, which mainly occur on the elbows, popliteal fossa, front and sides of the neck.

How to prevent atopic dermatitis?

After the beginning of autumn, "an autumn rain brings a chill", the temperature and humidity in the environment gradually decrease. Under low temperature and low humidity conditions, our skin barrier function will also decrease, increasing contact with irritants and allergens in the environment, causing atopic dermatitis to worsen or recur. Therefore, how to perform daily care is very important:

① Avoid scalding. The recommended water temperature is 32~37℃, the washing time is less than 10 minutes, and low-sensitivity and non-irritating skin cleansing products should be used once a day or every other day. Avoid scratching, rubbing and other behaviors that irritate the skin.

② Use sufficient amount of moisturizer. Use twice or more a day, and apply moisturizer immediately (within 2 minutes) after each bath.

③ Clothing: Wear loose clothing and avoid contact with woolen fabrics, brightly colored clothing, or clothing containing fluorescent agents. Change and wash underwear frequently, and add or remove clothing flexibly according to temperature changes to prevent stimulation from overcooling or overheating.

④Diet: The diet should be nutritious. Avoid blindly avoiding certain foods. You can eat some light foods rich in vitamins and plant proteins, such as brown rice, buckwheat, chestnuts, carrots, green peppers, apples, etc. The diet should be regular and quantitative, and avoid drinking alcohol and spicy foods. Avoid clear allergic foods. When the type of food allergy is uncertain, allergen testing can be performed.

⑤ Living: Pay attention to maintaining a clean environment and ventilate frequently; avoid using carpets, and avoid keeping pets, flowers and plants; maintain a suitable temperature and humidity in the environment. When the environment is dry, you can use a humidifier.

⑥ Travel: Exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise that causes a lot of sweating; avoid sunburn when going out. You can use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, or choose physical sunscreen such as parasols; avoid going to zoos, botanical gardens and other places where animal dander and pollen gather; if you are currently taking antihistamines that make you drowsy, you should avoid driving a car or operating machinery.

What can patients do about an ongoing atopic dermatitis flare-up?

Take daily care seriously, take medication as directed by your doctor, go for regular follow-up visits, and stay in a good mood.

Topical glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors are the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis, but many patients are reluctant to use them because they are worried about the side effects of the drugs. In fact, side effects rarely occur when the drugs are used in a standardized manner under the guidance of specialists in regular hospitals, so we don't have to worry too much.

Many patients do not know how to use the medicine after receiving it and are confused about the "fingertip unit". The fingertip unit is used to measure the amount of medicine to be applied, that is, the amount of ointment squeezed from the standard packaging tube (tube diameter is 5mm) to the length from the index finger tip to the first interphalangeal joint of an adult. This amount of ointment can be applied to the area of ​​two palms of an adult (applicator).

Traditional Chinese medicine is a good choice for treating atopic dermatitis. Oral administration can regulate the internal organs and reduce recurrences. Wet compresses and external applications can control local symptoms. A multi-pronged approach can quickly control the condition and reduce the use of hormones and other drugs. To seek treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, you need to go to a regular hospital, and the doctor will develop the most suitable plan based on the patient's condition.

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Tips on external treatment of dermatology

If atopic dermatitis occurs and the skin lesions are erythematous, burning and without exudate, calamine lotion can be applied externally 3-4 times a day.

If local erosion and exudative skin lesions occur, you can apply cold wet compresses with Chinese medicine solution for 10 minutes each time, twice a day. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection between wet compresses. If the skin feels dry, cracked, or tight locally, you can apply sesame oil, edible olive oil, etc. to moisturize the skin.

If local dryness, desquamation, and hypertrophic lichenoid lesions occur, use oils and ointments to fully moisturize them, and apply them again once they are dry. You can also use ointments containing traditional Chinese medicine.