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Atopic dermatitis – Home remedies, treatment options and diet

Atopic dermatitis – Home remedies, treatment options and diet

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes inflammation and rashes. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are dry and itchy skin, rashes, and bumps. Although there is no cure for this chronic condition, medication and changes in diet and lifestyle help relieve symptoms and flare-ups. Given below are some effective remedies, treatment options, and dietary measures that help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis.


Home remedies for atopic dermatitis

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a very versatile product and a great natural moisturizer.

Sea salt spray
Using a sea salt spray over the affected skin or mixing sea salt in your bath water is a good way to get some extra moisturization. Sea salt also has mild antibacterial properties, which will impede the spread of secondary infections.

Cod liver oil
Some people with atopic dermatitis have lower levels of fatty acids in their bodies. Supplementing with fish oil is known to improve the itching associated with this condition.

Honey
Honey is antibacterial, antifungal, and a skin relaxant. It can also help with the hyperpigmentation and scarring of the skin lesions. Atopic dermatitis can be a debilitating and painful skin condition. Fight the stigma and get yourself specialized help if needed. Atopic dermatitis pictures can help you compare the severity and find solutions.

Prevention and treatment options

A big part of managing this condition is knowing what the triggers are and being able to avoid them at all costs. Some other ways to manage it are

  • Following a routine for bathing and moisturizing
  • Using the prescribed medicine appropriately
  • Avoiding scratching or rubbing the affected area
  • Eliminating all allergens from home
  • Joining support groups and talking about it with others who are affected also helps cope with the effects.

The treatment of this condition is always based on severity. On a simpler scale, atopic dermatitis can be handled with topical medication such as over-the-counter creams that simply need to be spread over the affected area. Another option is opting for phototherapy, wherein certain forms of UV light are used to heal the skin.

In worse or more advanced cases, both broad and specific immunosuppressants are used. The specific immunosuppressants are used in extreme cases and are quite rarely recommended for this condition.

One such specific immunosuppressant is DUPIXENT®, which is also the first biologic medication approved by the FDA for this condition. Anyone with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis over the age of 12 can be injected with DUPIXENT®, provided they have the appropriate prescription. This medication can also be used with topical steroids.
It’s important to remember that despite atopic dermatitis being chronic, it can be managed with proper care and medication.

Diet


What to eat

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
    Dry skin caused by atopic dermatitis is often alleviated by foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, flax seeds, and walnuts are some omega-3-rich foods.  
  • Anti-inflammatory foods
    Colorful fruits and vegetables like apples, cherries, kale, and spinach reduce inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis.
  • Probiotics
    Foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics – a kind of bacteria that promotes a healthy gut and helps reduce atopic dermatitis flare-ups.
  • Foods that contain quercetin
    Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid that reduces histamine levels and inflammation in the body. Blueberries, broccoli, and kale are a good source of quercetin. 

What not to eat

  • Citrus fruits
    Fruits like oranges and grapefruit contain certain chemicals that may aggravate symptoms of atopic dermatitis or cause allergic reactions. 
  • Dairy products
    Dairy products are a common allergen and might also be a possible cause of atopic dermatitis flare-ups.
  • Gluten
    Certain foods like wheat, rye, and barley contain gluten – an element that may cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups. 


This article is for information purposes only. Always consult and seek the advice of your physician/licensed healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or medication.

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