Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic or recurrent inflammatory skin disease. It’s more than just “sensitive skin” since atopic means a genetic tendency toward allergies. It is actually an allergic skin reaction. Symptoms include, itching, redness, rash, dryness, and scaling, all of which can lead to severe skin infections. Studies have even suggested children with atopic dermatitis may be at a greater risk for ADHD and other mental health conditions.

It has long been known, environmental substances and certain foods can trigger symptoms. Recent studies show, just as air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms, atopic dermatitis can be triggered by this as well. A letter to the editor published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI) outlined these findings. The study involved 22 patients living in Seoul, Korea. They were followed for 18 months from July, 2009 to December 2010. “From symptom records of 1,880 person-days, the authors found that atopic dermatitis symptoms associated with the levels of outdoor air pollutants such as particulate matter, toluene, and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds).” This suggests outdoor air pollutants act as an aggravating factor and may need to be controlled for better symptom management.

With all that being said WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Pay attention to your local air quality index. Many local news stations include that in their weather forecasts. For Colorado you can visit www.airnow.gov. If the quality is poor stay inside as much as possible.

2. Be diligent about avoiding known triggers so as not to “overload” your system. If you don’t know your triggers schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can help figure them out.

3. If you are not taking an antihistamine regularly, be sure to take it on poor air quality days.

4. Use a non-soap cleanser because they are usually free of sodium lauryl sulfate. This chemical creates soap’s foaming action and can irritate the skin. Include this in you soak-n-seal regimen. Schedule an appointment to learn about this technique and why it works.

5. If symptoms persist, prescription medications may need to be added.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SUFFER! Symptoms can be managed and even eliminated. As always, we are here to help!