DERMATOLOGY >> ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis has a chronic evolution. The allergic form affects about 5% of men and 11% of women in industrialized countries²

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. An altered composition of the stratum corneum is responsible of the xerotic aspect of the skin, and predisposes to a higher permeability to allergens and irritants²

Your doctor will suggest you the proper treatment according to the type of your skin disorder and its severity. Moisturizers and topical corticosteroids are considered as first line approach in inflammatory skin disorders. On the other hand, a new generation of so-called “biological drugs”, targeting molecules and cells involved in the proinflammatory immune response, has been designed and introduced in the clinics during the last decade. These biological agents are bioengineered proteins such as chimeric and humanized antibodies, and fusion proteins²

Furthermore, natural drugs from plants, are gaining popularity because of several advantages such as:

• often having fewer side‐effects
• better patient tolerance
• being relatively less expensive and acceptable, due to a long history of use.
• Besides herbal medicines provide rational means for the treatment of many diseases that are obstinate and incurable in other systems of medicine.

For these reasons,  several plants have been investigated for treatment of skin diseases ranging from itching to skin cancer³

For example, Defensil plus (Blackcurrant Seed Oil, Balloon Vine Extract, Sunflower Oil Concentrate), replenishes the damaged skin barrier and eases inflammatory processes. It nips inflammatory processes in the bud. It is a plant derived alternative to Hydrocortisone.

Also, recent studies, suggest the beneficial role of Curcumin in skin health^4. Curcumin is proved that soothes inflammation, relieves allergic symptoms and eczema.

• Know your triggers
• Implement a regular bathing and moisturizing routine.
• Use OTC and/or prescription medication consistently and as prescribed.
• Watch for signs of infection — pus-filled bumps, pain, redness, heat — on the skin.
• Recognize stressful situations and events
• Try not to scratch and rub the affected skin — and limit contact with materials or substances that may irritate your skin.
• Dress in soft, breathable clothing and avoid itchy fabrics like wool, that can further irritate your eczema.

1. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2014, 81–89.
2. Current Drug Metabolism, 2010, Vol. 11, No. 3.
3. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2014, Vol 8, Issue 15.
4. Adv Exp Med Biol, 2007,595, 343-57.