Skin asthma, also known as atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin allergy which affects both children and adults. It is normally genetically inherited and the patient is also prone to a range of other allergic disorders like food allergies, hay fever or more commonly, asthma. The condition is characterized by skin inflammation, irritation and redness.
Atopic dermatitis is attributed to a variety of causes ranging from a weak immune system and skin infections to temperature changes and allergies to food, certain kinds of fabrics and chemicals. The skin normally affected in infants is the diaper region, the scalp, the face (chin and the cheeks especially) and the hands and feet. In adults, the skin becomes infected in fewer areas, mainly, near the mouth and wherever the skin folds like behind the knees and the elbow crook.
Atopic dermatitis makes the skin very dry and itchy. Scratching the rash aggravates the condition and sometimes causes a secondary infection. It is therefore important to keep your skin well moisturized. Use petroleum jelly or a water based moisturizer immediately after a bath when your skin is still moist. Avoid using perfume and perfumed soaps. Always use mild skin and hair care products as the skin allergy may accelerate if exposed to strong chemicals. A few simple precautions will help you care for your skin rash better and provide effective relief. Always wash clothes that are new before wearing them for the first time as they may contain harmful chemicals used to treat the clothes. Use only mild detergents to wash clothes and make sure you rinse them twice to remove all traces of soap from them. Do not forget to keep your nails trimmed short because you could cause serious damage to your skin and possibly start a secondary infection when the rash gets really itchy. Wear loose clothing that is made of cotton as other synthetic fabrics may irritate your skin further. Always remember to shower after a swim as chlorine and other chemicals present in pool water could irritate your skin.
Prepare a skin wash at home using one teaspoon of white oat bark, one teaspoon of comfrey root, one teaspoon of slippery elm bark and two cups of water. Boil these ingredients for at least half an hour and allow it to cool. Use the wash on the area affected by rash. Apply vitamin E on the area to help relieve itching and inflammation of the skin. Make a paste using blueberry leaves and apply it on the rash to relieve skin inflammation. You should take oral zinc supplements and vitamin B everyday to help fortify your immune system and to help control the rash.
