Experts talks
Statistics show that 30% of children suffer from atopic dermatitis. This is a concerning rate, and my own children are among those affected. My doctor, whom I met with last week, told me that he examines at least 3 children a week who suffer from atopic dermatitis, which is a lot.
Alex is 13 years old, Alesia is nearly 7, and the baby is 6 weeks old. They all developed atopic dermatitis as soon as I first brought them home, and since I have received many questions on this topic – and also because I am dealing with this issue myself – I decided to interview Dr Adriana Diaconeasa to find out more about what causes atopic dermatitis in children, and about how it can be treated.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that is genetic in nature. This means we have a genetic predisposition to it, but its manifestation is linked to environmental conditions, and its symptoms appear during childhood.
Statistically speaking – both in terms of the studies published in the last 10 years, and in my experience – atopic dermatitis occurs more often in urban areas and in well-endowed social and economic environments. One of the theories about why atopic dermatitis is seen as the “disease of well-cared-for children” is the fact that we no longer come into contact with natural allergens that the human species has become used to, and, as a consequence, we become more sensitive.
No. What happens to each particular individual is very significant here. The pattern of genetic transmission is not very clear.Therefore, the case of one individual will differ from that of another, even though we talk of genetic predisposition. One of the children may have it, while the other may not, even when there is a genetic predisposition. The events that happen in one’s life are very important, as well as one’s environmental conditions.
A dermatologist is the best resource for identifying skin disorders, finding the cause of your skin issues, and developing an adapted treatment. Please consult your dermatologist, doctor or pharmacist so that they may best advise you on your personal skin regimen.
