Written in partnership with Dr. Clarence De BELILOVSKY, Dermatologist and member of the Mustela circle of experts.
Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, affects one in five children. But atopic does not mean atypical. While the symptoms of this eczema are unpleasant (redness, itching, dryness, etc.), they are neither rare, nor contagious to other babies, and not irreversible.
More specifically, atopic eczema can appear as early as two months of age (sometimes even earlier) and tend to lessen or even disappear by the age of five or six. In the meantime, rest assured: gentle care and attention can soothe your baby.
But let's start at the beginning.
What causes atopic eczema?
It is the result of two key factors: a highly reactive immune system and very dry skin. Atopy is diagnosed when the immune system overreacts to allergens or certain environmental conditions (Discover our at-home tips for atopic dermatitis).
This condition can be hereditary. Indeed, the probability of a child developing atopic dermatitis increases by 40% to 50% when one parent is also atopic, and by 50% to 80% when both parents are. Other factors can explain its appearance, such as pollution or... excessive hygiene!
Yes, atopy is more prevalent in industrialized countries than in developing countries.
What is atopic eczema and how can it be soothed? Why does atopic eczema affect dry skin?
Because they are more fragile. Normally, to protect itself, the skin forms a thin layer of water and oil (lipids) on its surface: the hydrolipidic film. In addition, it produces filaggrin, a molecule that acts as a "cement" to ensure its permeability.
When lipids or filaggrin are insufficient, the skin allows water to evaporate. It loses its impermeability and no longer acts as a barrier against certain aggressors: the door is open for allergens to penetrate. To summarize: excessive immune system reaction + dry skin = atopic eczema if an allergen or specific environmental conditions are present.
This results in red patches that are more or less inflamed (see How to recognize atopic skin). The skin is itchy and irritated, which can disrupt the well-being of young children, particularly the quality of their sleep. However, atopic eczema doesn't disrupt their daily life every day. Between flare-ups, there are periods of calm that can be prolonged with a few simple daily precautions.
Up to you !
1 Sources: Watson 2011, Isaac 1998. 2 Sources: Böhme 2003, Taïb 2008.
