Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common diseases in infants. For the first time, it makes itself felt at the age of 2-3 months, while the duration of the disease depends on heredity, characteristics of the baby's body and the quality of treatment.
Atopic dermatitis manifests itself on children's skin in the form of rashes, redness and flaking. Often, against the background of allergies, there are problems with stools, prolonged conjunctivitis and runny nose. Because of the unpleasant itching, the baby scratches the affected area, which leads to the appearance of ulcers, cracks, wounds. All this becomes a favorable breeding ground for bacteria.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by an alternation of complications and remissions. As a rule, by 2-3 years the symptoms become milder or disappear altogether. But there are times when the allergy spills over into a chronic rhinitis or even bronchial asthma.
Causes of the disease
Dermatitis is not a skin disorder. This is a manifestation of malfunctions in the child's body, which arise as a result of the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Most often, the allergy of young children is the result of contact with household chemicals, as well as the use of milk (milk formula or porridge), unsuitable baby food and a large amount of sweets. The substance, entering the child's body, is regarded as foreign and provokes the production of antibodies.
However, children who initially suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are at risk. And also those whose mothers during pregnancy abused allergenic foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, etc.), or whose parents are allergic. In this case, the antibodies are passed on to the child from the parents. After taking a "harmful" product, the baby's body immediately begins to fight it.
Prevention of dermatitis
For the prevention of atopic dermatitis, it is not recommended to introduce complementary foods earlier than six months of the child. When switching to artificial feeding, carefully monitor the baby's reaction, in case of an allergic reaction, change the mixture.
When introducing new foods during breastfeeding and complementary feeding, keep a food diary. Divide a sheet of paper into 3 columns. In the first column, write down the foods you ate yourself (breastfeeding) or gave your baby (complementary foods). On this day, you can use only one new product and adhere to your usual diet for 2-3 days. Write down the time in the second column. In the third, the child's reaction after 4-5 hours, the next day and every other day. Such a diary will help identify allergens and avoid the next exacerbation of dermatitis.
Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke both during pregnancy and after childbirth. Damp the baby's room regularly and wash toys with baby soap. Try not to use household chemicals when washing bottles, pacifiers and other items that are in your baby's mouth. Wash your baby's clothes with a special baby powder for at least the first year.
