Treatment:
General:
AD patients suffer from dry skin. Because of this skin protection is lost; irritants & allergens can reach the sensitive layers below the skin thereby causing a flare up of AD.
Dry skin can be prevented by having a lengthy bath with Luke warm water by adding bath oil to the water. To use mild skin cleansers or neutral ph soaps. Wipe the skin with soft towel, not to scrub the skin with any abrasives like loofa, pumice stone etc. Skin can be kept soft by applying a simple moisturizing cream or Vaseline or oil immediately within 3 min after bath
AD patient should avoid the aggravating factors.
Tips to stay away from Allergens:
If you are allergic to pets, stay away from them. However, if you have a pet in your house, it is advised that you clean your house often, give bath to dog once in a week, & keep your pet off your bed & other furniture you use.
If you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors as much as you can during allergy season. Keep windows closed & use a fan or air conditioner to keep cool instead. When outdoors, avoid playing on the grass, & bath before going to bed to rinse off any pollen that is clinging to your skin or hair.
If you are allergic to dust mites, you need special & suitable covers for your cotton mattress & pillow (best is to avoid cotton mattress & pillows) or use a foam or coir mattress. Avoid carpets. Vacuum clean your mattress & curtains regularly. Avoid stuffed toys or wash them with hot waters regularly as they are dust catchers. Vacuum clean your car & office, cupboards. Avoid using clothes which have been in the cupboard for long time as they catch dust & mold. Air those clothes in sun, or wash & Iron them before using.
If allergic to hair dye, avoid using all hair dye as most of them contain PPD. Use herbal dye without PPD. If allergic to nickel, avoid artificial & silver jewellery
Tips to stay away from irritants:
Do not wear wool, polyster, nylon, or acyrlic clothes directly on the skin. First layer should be loose cotton clothes. Avoid clothes with rough seams or trims. Wash new clothes before wearing them in order to soften & to remove any chemicals on the fabric. Use dye-free & perfume free detergent for your clothes & rinse your clothes properly to remove any soap residue.
Avoid eating or preparing acidic foods ( such as tomatoes or citrus fruits) if they seem to trigger a rash. Wear rubber gloves with cotton lining inside while using cleaning products.
Avoid staying in an atmosphere of paint fumes & smokes (including cigarette, agarbathi, sambrani, mosquito repellant smoke, etc).
Avoid using perfumes & body sprays directly on skin. Avoid using balms, other irritants on skin. Avoid using dettol, after shave lotion.