Atopic dermatitis triggers
Dry skin
Because the skin barrier of patients with atopic dermatitis is affected, the skin loses its moisture and becomes more exposed to microorganism infections and allergen invasion. The skin should therefore always be taken care of properly and kept moisturised.
Allergens
Allergens are substances that enter our body and cause an allergic reaction. We can inhale or ingest them or they can be introduced into our organism through the skin. The allergic reaction accompanied by atopic dermatitis can be triggered by inhaled allergens (pollen, mites, animal epithelium, dust, etc.), food allergens (milk proteins, egg white, fish, soy, gluten, nuts, etc.) or antigen microorganisms.
Sugar and processed food
Sugar and processed food escalate the inflammatory processes in the body.
Histamine
Histamine is a biological substance (an inflammatory mediator) that can be found in animal and plant source foods. It is also produced by our bodies. When an allergic reaction occurs, histamine is released from the mast cells and plays a major role in an inflammatory response. When the levels of the enzyme that metabolises histamine are too low, the person has histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance has similar signs and symptoms as food allergy. Patients are advised to eat foods that are low in histamine.
Irritants
Cigarette smoke, cleaning substances, washing powders, perfumes, exhaust gasses and other irritants are heavy triggers for allergic reactions and atopic dermatitis and/or can greatly worsen the existing conditions.
Clothes
People with atopic dermatitis should wear soft, light and breathable clothing. Clothes made of cotton, silk, linen or hemp are the best, while synthetic and woollen materials should be avoided. Wash the clothes with mild detergents and don’t use fabric softeners.
Heat and sweating
In most patients with atopic dermatitis, the condition is worsened by heat and sweating. The living space should therefore be kept well aerated and cool. Physical activity, while an important coping mechanism for stress, may negatively affect the skin of those with atopic dermatitis. You should adjust the amount of physical activity with respect to the state of your skin.
Infections
Atopic dermatitis is typically accompanied by secondary skin infections with bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus), viruses (Herpes simplex, Varicellela zoster, Pox viruses) and fungi (e.g. Malassezia spp.). In the severe cases of infection, the patients must visit their doctor in order to receive the proper medical treatment.
Stress
Stress is a strong trigger of atopic dermatitis. While we sadly can’t remove it from our daily lives, we can learn to control it.