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Co-authored with dermatologist Clarence De BELILOVSKY, a member of the Mustela expert circle.
• Atopic dermatitis, eczema, and dermatitis: Should natural herbal remedies be used?
Not recommended . Natural does not mean harmless. Plants may contain allergens that can trigger atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis requires special care. If in doubt, it is best to avoid alternative therapies, especially daily application of moisturizers and doctor-prescribed topical steroids, which remain effective methods for preventing symptoms, repairing skin, and soothing itching.
• Atopic skin is common in children and newborns.
Correct . Globally, one in five children is affected by atopic dermatitis (1), making it the most common skin condition in children, and the rate is steadily increasing. In industrialized countries, the prevalence has tripled in 30 years (2). If your baby has atopic dermatitis, it is not uncommon.
• My child is more susceptible to Staphylococcus aureus or impetigo due to atopic skin.
Incorrect . This is more of a worry than a fact. Staphylococcus aureus is a normal part of the skin flora for all skin types. Its concentration increases during inflammation, but this does not necessarily mean infection. Infection is very rare if atopic dermatitis is treated correctly, and pustular eczema is not more common in atopic dermatitis.
• Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease.
Correct . It stems from an overreaction of the immune system in the presence of allergens (such as dust mites), not from poor hygiene, and is not contagious.
• Atopic skin is hereditary.
This is true in most cases . About 70% of children with atopic skin have a family history of the disease. If one parent has atopic skin, the child’s incidence rate is 40%-50%; if both parents have the disease, it rises to 50%-80% (3). Atopic skin can still occur even without a family history because it is associated with multiple genes.
• Atopic skin is contagious.
Incorrect . It may be allergic or hereditary, but it is by no means contagious, even during flare-ups and inflammation.
• Atopic skin can last a lifetime.
Not necessarily . Symptom intensity decreases with age. Atopic dermatitis may appear a few months after birth but usually lessens by age 5 to 6. It is quite rare in adults and may even disappear completely. Remission can be prolonged with infant-specific moisturizing care and simple home remedies (see "Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Can It Improve or Disappear?").
• Atopic dermatitis can lead to other allergies.
Incorrect . The child may have other allergies, but the cause is atopic constitution, not atopic skin itself. Other allergies include asthma, hay fever, conjunctivitis, or food intolerances, all of which are caused by an overreaction of the immune system.
• Some methods can prolong the relief period and reduce itching.
Correct . This includes baby-specific moisturizing care and daily preventative measures such as wearing cotton clothing, keeping the room well-ventilated, and avoiding excessive sweating. While these simple steps cannot completely prevent flare-ups, they can improve quality of life.
• Should children with sensitive skin not be bathed frequently?
Correct . Over-cleaning may trigger certain allergies. The immune system needs early infection to maintain balance; excessive elimination of microbes is not the solution. Industrialized countries have a higher rate of atopic dermatitis in children due to over-hygiene practices.
1 Source: Watson 2011, Isaac 1998.
2. Source: Fondation Dermatite Atopique
3 Source: Böhme 2003, Taïb 2008.
2. Source: Fondation Dermatite Atopique
3 Source: Böhme 2003, Taïb 2008.
