Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin disorder that causes itchy, scaly rashes. This condition generates continuous inflammation and redness, making the person’s skin who suffers from it much more sensitive to any external factor. Atopic dermatitis is more common in babies, it can manifest between 2 and 6 months, and in most cases, it is overcome during adulthood.
When a person has atopic dermatitis, they often have asthma or allergies. They likely have a family history of this disease since genetic factors are one of its leading causes. Because it is a topical condition that presents blisters, bubbles, and areas where the skin is seen raw, many people wonder: is atopic dermatitis contagious? In this FastlyHealarticle, we answer this common question.
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Is atopic dermatitis contagious?
Atopic dermatitis is more common in infants and children. However, anyone can have it. Those who live in cities with dry climates are at higher risk of developing this non-contagious condition. Many people avoid direct contact with those who suffer from this condition, and the truth is that this behavior only makes the affected person feel worse.
Why does atopic dermatitis occur?
The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but the following factors are believed to be associated with an increased risk of developing this condition:
- Genetics: There is believed to be a link between atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay. Therefore, when there is a direct family history of these diseases, the person has a higher risk of developing this type of eczema.
- Climate: As we mentioned earlier, living in cold, dry weather increases the risk of developing this condition.
- Gender: it is more common in women than in men.
- Age of the mother: the children of mothers who gave birth at an advanced age are also at greater risk of suffering from it.
How to recognize atopic dermatitis
The atopic skin dermatitis lacks hydration due to a shortage of amino acids as forming lipids is not carried out correctly. Therefore, the skin is much more sensitive than usual, and you run the risk of being broken or injured simply by scratching it with your nails.
This disease can manifest itself in different ways in people, some suffer from very chronic atopic dermatitis, and some have specific outbreaks from time to time. This condition affects the face, scalp, hands, and feet more; however, adults find the knees, elbows, neck, hands, and feet affected.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
- Rashes or bumps on the skin leak fluid and end up becoming scabs.
- Redness and inflammation of the skin.
- Dehydrated skin.
- Intense itching may appear before the formation of the rash.
- Raw skin from scratching the skin very roughly.
- The skin may become thick in places after scratching or prolonged irritation.
- Changes in skin color
- Nervousness, stress, and low self-esteem.
Atopic dermatitis occurs through flare-ups, and certain factors can trigger them:
- Dry air.
- Common cold.
- Allergy to dust mites or pollen.
- Dry Skin.
- Rough materials like wool.
- Irritant substances.
- Emotional stress
- Frequent showers or swimming.
- Extreme temperatures.
- Fragrances are added to cosmetic products.
How to prevent atopic dermatitis
Once we have answered whether atopic dermatitis is contagious, you should also know that we cannot prevent it. Still, we can carry out specific actions to control outbreaks, so that skin irritation becomes less and less frequent. First, it is essential to follow the letter of the medical treatment prescribed by the dermatologist, which commonly consists of using topical corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and reduce skin inflammation.
Also, depending on how chronic the disease is, it is likely that the specialist will also recommend the use of oral antihistamines to reduce itching and allow the person to rest properly during the night. When atopic dermatitis does not respond well to treatment, the person may need to use a topical immunomodulator.
Although eczema treatment is essential, there is specific skincare that the skin needs to prevent breakouts and stimulate hydration. Know the most important:
- Apply emollient creams several times a day to keep skin hydrated and prevent dryness that causes breakouts. Creams, preferably, should be recommended by the dermatologist.
- The skin should be rinsed with a pH neutral and hypoallergenic soap.
- Sponges should not be used on the skin.
- It is necessary to avoid prolonged bliss and prefer baths between 5 and 10 minutes.
- Wet skin should be patted dry with a clean, very soft towel. The skin should not be squeezed.
- The use of any product with added alcohol or fragrances is not recommended.
- Clothes should preferably be soft fabrics like cotton.
- The bedding should always be clean.
- Avoid having rugs and curtains at home where dust mites can be stored.
In addition, we recommend that you consult the article Home remedies for atopic dermatitis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Is atopic dermatitis contagious? We recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.