How to care for atopic skin

It is a skin disease that affects both children and adults, characterised by itching, dryness and redness, as well as the possible appearance of flare-ups caused by sudden changes in temperature, poor routine habits... Do you not know how to care for atopic skin? Keep reading, we explain it to you.

Flare-ups in atopic skin

Changes in temperature and our everyday hygiene routine can greatly influence the health of our skin. When it is cold, for example, we tend to use very hot water when showering, which negatively affects the skin, especially if we have atopic dermatitis. This causes the skin to become red, dry and itchy. Factors such as these can affect it:

• Products capable of irritating sensitive skin, such as detergents, soaps, bubble baths, etc.
• Allergies (to dust, pollen, different fungi...).
• Certain synthetic fibres in clothing.

What to do to care for atopic skin

These factors require a corresponding series of care steps to prevent or heal atopic skin:

• Wrapping up too much can be harmful. Especially with children, every effort is often made to wrap them up too much so they do not get cold. In many cases, they end up sweating and this harms the skin, even more if it is already damaged.
• Dry the skin carefully. The most advisable thing is to use cotton towels without rubbing to avoid damaging and irritating the affected areas.
• Avoid friction from synthetic garments. It is recommended to choose cotton garments and avoid synthetics and wool that tend to cause allergic reactions on the skin.

• The use of fabric softeners is not recommended.
• There is “soap-free soap” (also called “syndet soap”) in gel, shower cream or shower oil formats, each with a different level of emollience, as your skin may need one or another at different times.
• Maintain a humid environment in rooms. To avoid excessive skin dryness, it is advisable to keep interiors humid, especially during winter due to heating.
• It is very important to protect the skin from the sun’s rays all year round, as well as paying special attention to the most sensitive areas.

Pharmaceutical recommendation for atopic skin

In addition to following these care habits, using suitable dermatological products is key to keeping the skin hydrated, soothed and protected. These are some of the most effective formulas:

Eucerin AtopiControl: ideal for skin prone to atopy. It contains omega-6 and licochalcone A, ingredients that soothe irritation and reduce itching, strengthening the skin barrier.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M: its formula with shea butter, niacinamide and exclusive Aqua Posae Filiformis helps rebalance the skin microbiome and relieve extreme dryness.

Avène XeraCalm A.D: with I-modulia technology, it reduces itching and irritation caused by dryness, providing comfort even during active flare-ups.

A-Derma Exomega Control: its Rhealba oat extract gently cleanses and hydrates while strengthening the natural defences of atopic skin.

These products are recommended for both adults and children and babies, and can be perfectly integrated into the daily hygiene and body care routine to improve the quality of life of those suffering from atopic dermatitis.