Atopic dermatitis in adults

Diagnosing atopic dermatitis is the first and decisive step that can often take a long time. This is why it’s a good idea to consult as soon as you see symptoms. The treatment your doctor prescribes will help you to better handle flare-ups, and that will already make a big difference.

Despite everything, it seems that patients often have trouble identifying the right experts, learning about their atopic eczema and choosing the correct products for their skin. Whatever your age, whether you are directly concerned or are the parent of a child with atopic skin, you may very well want to share your own experience, your doubts and your questions. Here are a few ideas for finding answers that, we hope, will help you better manage your disease on a daily basis and find some relief from the stress you may feel.

Atopic skin absolutely needs dermo-cosmetic care, in addition to topical medical treatments. Applying an emollient every day is even dermatologists’ first recommendation when it comes to atopic skin. And thus it’s better to choose the right product for hygiene and care. The wrong one can quickly turn into an eczema flare-up, as you have most certainly already experienced. To find products that are truly adapted to your skin, look for the different labels that are specifically dedicated to allergic and atopic skin. They have been created to specifically answer a need for clarity and transparency.

Eczema cream for kids
Emollient plus

‘‘Emollient plus’’

Since 2018, European recommendations have been defined for treating children and adults with atopic dermatitis. The initiative was launched by a number of scientific and scholarly associations and institutions, including the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Together, they have established a consensus for good practice when caring for atopic skin, in particular the need to moisturise. The "Emollient Plus" category highlights dermocosmetic product categories whose composition and effectiveness meet these recommendations.

Discover our Atoderm Intensive baume: the reference in caring for atopic skin.

 
ECARF European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation

Ecarf, a European label for skin allergies

The European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation was established in Germany in 2006. Present in over 30 countries, its independent scientific committee verifies that products wearing its label meet the needs of people with allergies.

AFPRAL Association for the Prevention of Allergies

AFPRAL, a french certificate for skin allergies

The French Association for the Prevention of Allergies was founded in 1991 by volunteer patient families. Products recommended by AFPRAL are produced and manufactured using an approach that prevents allergies. The products have to bring real benefit to people dealing with different allergy-related pathologies. Not all people with atopic eczema necessarily have an allergic disease, but this certificate represents extra safety. To see the products recommended by AFPRAL, visit their site : https://allergies.afpral.fr

There is no longer any reason to remain isolated when you or someone you care for has atopic eczema. A wide range of associations around the world fight for eczema to be recognised by organising events for patients and their families, as well as the general public. Through their many actions, they can help to lessen the isolation people may feel, by creating patient communities that provide help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local association for tips and support.

  • L’Association Française de l’Eczéma in France
  • National Eczema Association in the United States
  • National Eczema Society in Great Britain
  • Asociaciòn de Afectados por la Dermatitis Atopica in Spain
  • ANDeA, Associazione Nazionale Dermatite Atopica in Italy
  • Association for People with Constitutional Eczema (VMCE - Vereniging Mensen met Constitutioneel Eczeem) in the Netherlands
  • Atopic Dermatitis Support Association in Brazil
  • Atopikerna in Sweden
  • Eczema Society of Canada…

You can find more information at www.alltogethereczema.org.

There are also communities of highly engaged patients and doctors. BIODERMA’s Doctor-Patient community supports the atopic patient community by providing articles on the subject, co-written by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. You can find tips and practical advice to help you manage problems related to atopic skin better and make your treatment easier.

Therapeutic education’s precious help

There are about 80 Atopy Schools around the world, which officially became part of the care programme for atopic dermatitis in 2010, mostly in hospitals and sometimes also in private medical practices. The schools provide therapeutic education using a psycho-educational multidisciplinary approach to children and adults. All aspects of the pathology are covered, from treatments to daily life, offering useful assistance at any age!

On top of conventional medicine, other approaches can be very useful for reducing itching and stress. While they must not replace treatment prescribed by dermatologists, they can really help in terms of psychological support for parents and children, adolescents and adults to help them cope better. The idea is to take charge of your care by following your convictions and needs.

  • To reduce stress, become peaceful and calm the urge to scratch, you can try meditation, yoga, cardiac coherence and other soothing techniques. 
  • If eczema produces moments of anxiety and depression, if you feel isolated, don’t hesitate to consult a psychologist who is aware of skin problems. The best way to get through difficulties is to develop or return to self-confidence.
  • If you are open to complementary medicines, sophrology and acupuncture can provide extra help. Acupuncture in particular has shown encouraging results on the severity of eczema and itching, according to an analysis published in 20201 of different studies.

Doing art can also have undeniable effects on your overall state and on your skin. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of art therapy and the creative process on self-esteem, especially for problems related to self-image and social relationships. It is not about becoming an artist, but about optimising well-being through art. Music, writing, theatre, dance and sculpture… Follow your inspiration!

 

1 Acupunct Med. 2020 Feb;38(1) :3-14 Ruimin Jiao, Zhongyang Yang, Yang Wang, Jing Zhou, Yuxiao Zeng, Zhishun Liu
2 Allergy 2012 Feb, Florian Pfab Technische Universität Munich & Harvard Medical School Boston

Music therapy to fight the itch

A prospective study published in December 20201 looked at the positive effects of a 20-minute psychological musical relaxation session on patients suffering from itching. A simple and accessible way to reduce the urge to scratch. Music therapy sessions can be prescribed by a healthcare professional (doctor, psychotherapist…), and it’s better to consult official training organisms to find trusted practitioners.

1 The effectiveness of music on pruritus: open randomised prospective study – S. Demirtas, C. Houssais, J. Tanniou, L. Misery. Annals of Dermatology and Venereology – December 2020

Portraits of imperfect skin with the epidermis project

Sophie Harris-Taylor is a 29-year-old British photographer who created a series of artistic photos called Epidermis, published on her Instagram account. Her idea is to magnify skin and its imperfections, showing women’s faces au naturel, without make-up or retouching: acne, psoriasis, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation, eczema… Sophie herself has suffered from severe acne and wanted to provide a different representation of our physical image, turned towards diversity and following in the flow of the body positive movement.

This is an approach committed to changing the accepted mindset and fighting against complexes, while still fighting and finding therapeutic solutions that help out… There is every reason to stay strong!

BIODERMA product photo, Atoderm Shower Oil 1L, shower oil for dry skin

Rinse-off daily cleanser

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin

Skin Barrier Therapy™ patent

Atoderm Huile de douche

24h hydration and immediate comfort right from the shower.

For whom ?

For all the family (except prematures)

Rinse-off daily cleanser

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin

Skin Barrier Therapy™ patent

Atoderm Intensive Gel moussant

Soft purifying cleansing gel, anti-itching.

For whom ?

For all the family (except prematures)

Daily care

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive skin

Skin Barrier Therapy™ patent

Atoderm Intensive baume

Intensively anti-itching and replenishing care. Ultra-soothing & ultra-nourishing.

For whom ?

For all the family (except prematures)

Daily care

Very dry, irritated to atopic sensitive eyelids

Skin Barrier Therapy™ patent

Atoderm Intensive eye

Daily 3-in-1 care for irritated eyelids: soothes, repairs and removes make-up.

For whom ?

For all the family (except prematures)