Atopic dermatitis in babies: how to prevent with adequate hydration

A suitable hydration of the skin in babies could serve to prevent the development of atopic dermatitis in children at risk due to genetic predisposition to allergic diseases. This is what the Spanish Society of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Pediatric Asthma (SEICAP) believes, which warns of the importance of moisturize the skin of newborns to reinforce the skin barrier, as this would prevent the entry of allergens and the development of this pathology, as has been shown in some preliminary investigations.

The atopic dermatitis It is an inflammatory process of the dermis characterized by intense pruritus and dry skin, which presents a chronic evolution and occurs in the form of outbreaks. It can occur in subjects of all ages but is much more frequent in children. In fact, 50% of cases are diagnosed during the first year of life and in Spain the prevalence is between 6 and 15%, according to data from the SEICAP. "It is a pathology with a great genetic predisposition, modulated by climatic factors and that leads to immunological alterations.

However, the latest research suggests that from newborns, the risks of atopy could be minimized and the child not develop chronic disease, "said Dr. Mª Teresa Guerra, coordinator of the Working Group on Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Allergy. .

Hydration, the best prevention for atopic dermatitis

Babies with atopic dermatitis have especially dry and permeable skin. "This facilitates the penetration of multiple allergens from the environment," explains Dr. Escarrer. On the other hand, we must bear in mind that the skin damaged by eczema has 30% less ceramides, which in turn influences the dryness and the alteration of the barrier function. "It is important that pediatricians insist on maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier with the hydration of it. emollient creams", indicates.A review of studies published this month in Allergology International confirms that the dysfunction of the skin barrier is one of the most predisposing factors for the development of allergic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Therefore, Dr. Guerra affirms, "if we take care of the skin of the newborn from the first day, we keep it clean and hydrated, and we follow habits that prevent its dryness, we will be able to stop the progress of the pathology in babies with risk of atopy". So, an investigation published this month in Advances in Therapy concludes that the use of a moisturizer containing ceramide, together with body washing in children, delays the exacerbations of atopic dermatitis in two months and produces a high satisfaction in the patient.

Another work published in Current Pediatric Reviews concludes how the use of an emollient in children with this disease significantly improves the affected area, intensity and severity of it. Other care is aimed at the use of cotton or linen clothes and non-detergent soaps for washing, the use of mild soaps, with acidic or neutral pH, for bathing, keeping the house clean of dust or protecting the skin from cold during the winter.

Three factors involved in atopic dermatitis

At origin of atopic dermatitis three factors intervene that act constantly and contribute to its chronicity and severity. "On the one hand, genetic predisposition influences because there are many mutations in certain genes that alter the skin barrier and produce permanent inflammation," says Dr. Escarrer, president of SEICAP. Also involved is the dysfunction of the skin barrier, "which facilitates the entry of allergens, irritants and pathogens," he adds. Finally, there is persistent inflammation of the dermis with an inflammatory infiltrate responsible for chronicity.

Currently, says this specialist, "all skin diseases worry and worry the parents of our little patients who always look for a cause-effect relationship and that, in the case of atopic dermatitis, in many occasions it is not possible to find. "Therefore, the study and diagnosis of the children must be exhaustive on the part of the pediatrician allergist," before removing foods from the diet, which will not give results in terms of improving eczema. and can lead to deficiency diets, "he warns.

Carlos Mateos and Rocío Jiménez. Com.health