Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
Chinese Health Network Reporter Luo Huiwen / Taipei Report October 17, 2014
Atopic dermatitis commonly occurs during infancy, with babies often experiencing intense itching at night, leading to scratching that breaks the skin and causes bleeding. Scratching here and there! A 6-month-old baby boy developed rashes all over his body at just two months old, accompanied by unbearable itching. His skin was scratched until it oozed pus and fluid. Medical examination suggested a possible allergy to formula milk, which triggered atopic dermatitis. Doctors remind parents that milk protein is a common allergen for infants, recommending exclusive breastfeeding or hydrolyzed formula to avoid regular formula milk.
**Atopic Dermatitis: Nighttime Itching Is the Most Unbearable**
Dr. Hong Qianhui, a pediatrician at Taichung Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, explains that atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring skin condition. One of its causes is an atopic predisposition, making patients more susceptible to allergic reactions from specific allergens.
Clinical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, peeling, and even chronic lichenification of the affected areas. Among these, itching is the most troublesome, often leading to involuntary scratching at night. Scratching releases histamines, which worsen the itch, disrupting sleep and affecting energy levels the next day. Additionally, broken skin increases the risk of infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or herpes simplex virus.
**Infant Atopic Dermatitis: Commonly Linked to Milk Protein Allergy**
Atopic dermatitis most frequently appears in infants and children. Mild cases may improve with age. The affected areas vary by age group: infants often experience rashes on the face, neck, and outer joints of the limbs, while adolescents tend to have symptoms limited to the folds of the skin. However, severe cases can affect the entire body.
To prevent or manage atopic dermatitis, identifying allergens through food tests or blood tests is essential. For infants, milk protein is the most common allergen, while older children may react to a wider range of foods, such as milk, egg whites, or shellfish.
For infants with atopic dermatitis, Dr. Hong recommends breastfeeding or using hydrolyzed formula. If symptoms persist despite exclusive breastfeeding, mothers should avoid dairy and shellfish. If improvement is still lacking, fully hydrolyzed formula may be necessary.
**Dry Skin in Autumn and Winter Increases Risk of Atopic Dermatitis**
Beyond food allergies, another cause of atopic dermatitis is impaired skin barrier function. Genetic mutations affecting filaggrin, a protein crucial for skin integrity, lead to moisture loss and reduced hydration, making the skin more vulnerable to allergens. In adults, aging skin with declining moisture retention also raises the risk of flare-ups.
With recent weather changes and significant temperature fluctuations, dermatology clinics have reported a rise in atopic dermatitis cases—over 20 more this month compared to summer. Dr. Hong advises patients to enhance skin hydration by choosing suitable moisturizers based on skin type and season, avoiding products with fragrances or preservatives. Severe cases may require specialized atopic dermatitis treatments.
If moisturizers fail to alleviate symptoms, consulting a pediatrician or dermatologist is recommended. Depending on the severity and location of the condition, doctors may prescribe steroid creams, steroid alternatives, antihistamines, or immunosuppressants.Reduce friction! Choose soft and non-abrasive clothing materials.
Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis should minimize skin irritation in daily life. Avoid wearing overly rough fabrics, keep nails short to prevent scratching and further skin damage, maintain skin hydration, and avoid excessive cleansing. Keep the living environment clean to prevent dust mites or mold growth.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……6% 9A% E7% 82% 8E- 040616849. html
Itchy Skin Scratch Scratch! Formula Milk Triggers Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis commonly occurs during infancy, with babies often experiencing intense itching at night, leading to scratching that breaks the skin and causes bleeding. Scratching here and there! A 6-month-old baby boy developed rashes all over his body at just two months old, accompanied by unbearable itching. His skin was scratched until it oozed pus and fluid. Medical examination suggested a possible allergy to formula milk, which triggered atopic dermatitis. Doctors remind parents that milk protein is a common allergen for infants, recommending exclusive breastfeeding or hydrolyzed formula to avoid regular formula milk.
**Atopic Dermatitis: Nighttime Itching Is the Most Unbearable**
Dr. Hong Qianhui, a pediatrician at Taichung Hospital under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, explains that atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring skin condition. One of its causes is an atopic predisposition, making patients more susceptible to allergic reactions from specific allergens.
Clinical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, peeling, and even chronic lichenification of the affected areas. Among these, itching is the most troublesome, often leading to involuntary scratching at night. Scratching releases histamines, which worsen the itch, disrupting sleep and affecting energy levels the next day. Additionally, broken skin increases the risk of infections such as Staphylococcus aureus or herpes simplex virus.
**Infant Atopic Dermatitis: Commonly Linked to Milk Protein Allergy**
Atopic dermatitis most frequently appears in infants and children. Mild cases may improve with age. The affected areas vary by age group: infants often experience rashes on the face, neck, and outer joints of the limbs, while adolescents tend to have symptoms limited to the folds of the skin. However, severe cases can affect the entire body.
To prevent or manage atopic dermatitis, identifying allergens through food tests or blood tests is essential. For infants, milk protein is the most common allergen, while older children may react to a wider range of foods, such as milk, egg whites, or shellfish.
For infants with atopic dermatitis, Dr. Hong recommends breastfeeding or using hydrolyzed formula. If symptoms persist despite exclusive breastfeeding, mothers should avoid dairy and shellfish. If improvement is still lacking, fully hydrolyzed formula may be necessary.
**Dry Skin in Autumn and Winter Increases Risk of Atopic Dermatitis**
Beyond food allergies, another cause of atopic dermatitis is impaired skin barrier function. Genetic mutations affecting filaggrin, a protein crucial for skin integrity, lead to moisture loss and reduced hydration, making the skin more vulnerable to allergens. In adults, aging skin with declining moisture retention also raises the risk of flare-ups.
With recent weather changes and significant temperature fluctuations, dermatology clinics have reported a rise in atopic dermatitis cases—over 20 more this month compared to summer. Dr. Hong advises patients to enhance skin hydration by choosing suitable moisturizers based on skin type and season, avoiding products with fragrances or preservatives. Severe cases may require specialized atopic dermatitis treatments.
If moisturizers fail to alleviate symptoms, consulting a pediatrician or dermatologist is recommended. Depending on the severity and location of the condition, doctors may prescribe steroid creams, steroid alternatives, antihistamines, or immunosuppressants.Reduce friction! Choose soft and non-abrasive clothing materials.
Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis should minimize skin irritation in daily life. Avoid wearing overly rough fabrics, keep nails short to prevent scratching and further skin damage, maintain skin hydration, and avoid excessive cleansing. Keep the living environment clean to prevent dust mites or mold growth.
Source: https:/ / tw. news. yahoo. com/ % E……6% 9A% E7% 82% 8E- 040616849. html