The director of the Institute of Integral Dermatology, Miguel Sánchez, has stated that atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that presents with outbreaks of intense itching, redness, dryness, and scaling, but whose impact “goes beyond the physical,” significantly affecting the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
“The constant itching, sleep disturbance, the presence of visible lesions on the face or hands, and the need for continuous care limit patients’ daily lives, their social relationships, and, in many cases, their emotional state,” explained Sánchez Viera.
The National Eczema Association and the Association of People Affected by Atopic Dermatitis agree that this disease generates consequences that often go unnoticed: fatigue, decreased school or work performance, embarrassment about the appearance of their skin, and an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.
“Many patients feel misunderstood because, from the outside, people tend to think it’s just a dry skin problem. However, it’s a chronic condition that can affect the way a person sleeps, interacts, or works,” adds Sánchez.
In Spain, atopic dermatitis affects approximately 20 percent of children and between 1 and 3 percent of adults, figures that have doubled in the last decade. Although in the vast majority of cases the symptoms remit with age, in others they persist into adulthood, with a long-lasting impact on quality of life.
TREATMENTS AND SELF-CARE: KEYS TO IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE
Although there is no definitive cure, the expert assures that today patients have effective treatments that allow them to control flare-ups and reduce their impact on daily life. From the consistent use of moisturizing creams and emollients to more advanced pharmacological therapies such as biologics, the approach must always be individualized.
“The goal of treatment is not only to control symptoms, but also to restore the patient’s quality of life, preventing the disease from affecting their rest, personal relationships, or psychological well-being,” emphasizes Sánchez.
To improve the quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis, the dermatologist indicates that it is essential to keep the skin moisturized daily with specific products, control stress—one of the main triggers of flare-ups—and always choose cotton or linen clothing, avoiding wool and synthetic fabrics that irritate the skin. It is also advisable to ensure humid environments, using humidifiers and avoiding sudden changes in temperature.
Finally, when flare-ups occur, it is best to consult a dermatologist rather than resorting solely to home remedies, as proper diagnosis and treatment allow for better control of the disease and reduce its impact on daily life. In addition to controlling flare-ups, regular follow-up by a dermatologist is important, as this often helps patients adhere to treatment and healthy routines that prevent it.
Despite its high prevalence, atopic dermatitis remains a little-known and, in many cases, underdiagnosed disease. “It is essential that society and the patients’ communities understand that atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease with physical and emotional repercussions. Awareness and early diagnosis are key to ensuring patients can access appropriate treatments and live a better quality of life,” concludes Sánchez.
