Common Areas for Atopic Dermatitis and Why?
Table of Contents
Pathophysiology of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis can be defined as a disease characterized by recurrent chronic inflammatory processes, resulting from a combination of inherent immune hypersensitivity and dysregulation of skin condition. Key pathological factors include:
- Skin barrier dysfunction
- Pathological changes in the skin microbiome
- Cytokine secretion
Treatment Guidelines
Treatment for atopic dermatitis typically involves a combination of localized and systemic interventions. The main treatment methods are:
Mild topical corticosteroids and antihistamines are primarily used, alongside skin hygiene education regarding cleansing and moisturizer application.
In cases of secondary infection, appropriate antibiotics or antifungals are considered depending on the pathogen. If symptoms are not controlled, systemic immunomodulators may also be considered.
Skin Conditioning and Systemic Immunomodulation
The core of atopic dermatitis treatment lies in conditioning the skin itself and resolving immune dysregulation at a systemic level. Particularly, maintaining skin pH is crucial for skin conditioning.
Inappropriate cleansing can lead to changes in skin pH, which may exacerbate atopic symptoms.
Changes in Atopic Dermatitis Affected Areas According to Age
The areas affected by atopic dermatitis change with age. In infancy, it is distributed on the face, trunk, and extremities. As age increases, the most frequently affected areas shift to the neck or popliteal fossa. These changes are related to the development of sweating function and changes in skin pH.
Sweating and Atopic Dermatitis
Recent studies indicate that sweat secretion plays a key role in skin barrier function and hydration. Many traditional Korean medicine experts also emphasize the importance of sweating in atopic dermatitis treatment.
Sweating is considered very important in traditional Korean medicine, and some traditional Korean medicine clinics are even equipped with sauna facilities.