A day in the life of an atopic person dermatitis it is not easy to imagine. Struggling to fall asleep every night with itchy, irritated skin or starting the day with medications and ointments to manage your skin condition can be a daunting task. The chronic inflammatory skin condition poses several challenges for those affected by it, considering the many lifestyle changes that come with it and the extreme discomfort associated with it, which makes it really challenging for people to focus on tasks and even sleep. (Also read: From herpes to warts: Post-Covid skin complications that should not be ignored)
“My daily challenges are getting up in the morning, putting ointments on, making sure I have the right ointments, making sure I take my medications and following a specific treatment modality. It was very difficult in one day – on a daily basis – and I work from home, just to I’d get up. The itching would drive me crazy. I’d get up and try to do something for a while. I’d be so uncomfortable I’d change my clothes or put on more ointments,” Pamela Fantus, an atopic dermatitis patient, shared in a video for The American Journal of Managed Care.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation skin condition characterized by periods of outbreak, remission or improvement of the disease. AD affects up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.
Symptoms associated with AS include red, dry, itchy skin and scaly, cracked skin that sometimes oozes fluid or blood. These can cause many other psychological conditions in patients, such as poor sleep, low self-esteem, depression, and can degrade quality of life and affect school performance or work productivity.
How Atopic Dermatitis can affect people’s mental health
“On a day-to-day basis, people with uncontrolled moderate to severe atopic dermatitis face numerous challenges. The uncertain nature of the disease can lead to flare-ups that make patients anxious and prevent them from living full lives,” says Dr Abhishek De, Assistant Professor, CNMC and Assistant Editor, IJD & IJSA.
Children and adults with this condition may also experience sleep-related problems. Lack of sleep due to skin irritation or itchiness can cause behavioral changes in the patient, leading to loss of concentration at work or school.
“Outbreaks can also prevent children from going to school, which can affect their ability to keep up with others. AD also negatively affects the self-confidence of both adults and children. Children they may harbor a poor self-image when they find their DA challenging to deal with. Lack of confidence will also affect their social skills,” says Dr. De.
Considering that AD can only be contained and not cured, it is important to see a doctor and start treatment without delay. This can help better control the condition rather than treating it at a later stage when the flare-up becomes severe.
“The first step is to contact your dermatologist for a consultation and evaluation of your disease. If necessary, your doctor may recommend medications. The doctor may also recommend that you avoid some key triggers of the disease, which can include stress, alcohol / tobacco , or any other irritant that can cause or worsen your dermatitis”, says the expert.
“The doctor usually prescribes emollients that keep the skin hydrated and may prescribe medications such as topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors that decrease inflammation. If necessary, your doctor may start systemic therapies for more extensive control of the disease,” says the dr de
Atopic dermatitis can especially affect the confidence of a school-age child who may feel lonely and isolated. The child may also face bullying and teasing from her peers, which could emotionally frighten the child. It is important to seek counseling if your child is developing symptoms of anxiety and depression due to AD.
“The physical, psychological and social impact of AD can directly affect the quality of life of patients. Stigmatization is a process in which people negatively judge the appearance of the skin. People affected by such stigma find it difficult be accepted by society due to its visible symptoms, such as rashes, redness, and bumps on the skin, which may ooze fluid.This can seriously affect the quality of life of AD patients who experience increased anxiety and are inclined to avoidance social,” says Dr. De.
“Children who go to school may face uncomfortable situations at school, which can be traumatic. This can lead to the child becoming quiet and isolated. Mothers of children with AD may also experience depression, hopelessness. They may become overprotective because of problems the child faces at school mixing with others or if the child faces bullying, teasing, questions, or avoidance AD can also affect the social lives of children who have fewer friends and are not actively involved in school events”, adds the expert.
It is important to take timely consultation with a doctor or dermatologist who can help the patient in managing the disease in a better way.
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