Lifestyle Modifications
Understanding the triggers of Atopic Dermatitis can help you in making the right lifestyle modifications:
Common Triggers of Atopic Dermatitis
Irritants
- Soaps, detergents, shampoos/conditioners
- Preservatives, emulsifiers, and other inactive ingredients in lotions, creams and gels
- Acidic foods (citrus)
- Chemicals
Microbes
- Infections - colds, flu, sore throat, sinusitis
- Bacteria - S. aureus, Group A Strep
- Yeast or fungus - Malassezia, dermatophytes
- Viruses - herpes simplex, molluscipox
Allergens
- Contact: Lotions, creams, metal
- Foods (most commonly milk, eggs, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, seafood and seeded fruits)
- Inhaled: pet dander (cat/dog); pollen, mold, house dust, dust mites
Others
- Stress - Hot/hard/salt/chlorinated water
- Hormones - Perfume
Environmental Conditions
- Low humidity - Extreme temperatures
What you can do to help manage Atopic Dermatitis
Cleaning & Bathing
Bathing is of vital importance for children with AD
Clothing
Wash all new clothes before wearing. Make sure that the rinse cycle is clear by minimizing detergent or adding a second rinse cycle.
Indoor environment
Surroundings should be comfortable, with a fairly constant temperature and humidity level. Furnace-heated air can reduce the humidity level to less than 10%. Setting the thermostat too high will not only dry the air, but can also dilate blood vessels and promote itch.
Outdoor environment
Swimming is a good way to hydrate skin; a chlorinated swimming pool is like a bleach bath. The safest sun protection for babies and people with sensitive skin is preservative-free zinc oxide ointment or sun-protective clothing made of tightly woven, lightweight fabric.
