Atopic Dermatitis (Cont.)

Things That Make Atopic Dermatitis Worse

Irritants and allergens can make atopic dermatitis worse by causing the skin to be red, itchy, or to burn.
 
Irritants that can make atopic dermatitis worse include:
 
  • Wool or manmade fibers
  • Soaps and cleaners
  • Some perfumes and makeup
  • Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
  • Dust or sand
  • Cigarette smoke.
 
Allergens are allergy-causing substances from foods, plants, animals, or the air. Common allergens that can make atopic dermatitis worse are:
 
  • Foods such as eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, and wheat
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Pollen
  • Dog or cat dander.
 
Although stress, anger, and frustration can make atopic dermatitis worse, they have not been shown to actually cause the condition. Other factors that can lead to skin flare-ups include:
 
  • Skin infections
  • Temperature
  • Climate
  • Not using enough moisturizer after a bath
  • Low humidity in winter
  • Dry, year-round climate
  • Long or hot baths and showers
  • Going from sweating to being chilled
  • Bacterial infections.
 

Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccination Against Smallpox

People with atopic dermatitis should not get the smallpox vaccine because it may cause serious problems.
 

Current Research on Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis research scientists are currently looking for the cause of atopic dermatitis and ways to manage, treat, and prevent it.
 
Atopic dermatitis research scientists are currently looking at:
 
  • Genetics
  • Biochemical changes in skin and white blood cells
  • Immune factors
  • Light therapy
  • A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus
  • Aspects of drug research.
 
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD