Daily advices
Parents, adolescents and adults often feel quite alone when dealing with atopic skin and the problems it creates. There are, however, a number of places and ways to get help, so that living with atopic eczema becomes easier on a daily basis. Follow our guide!
Diagnosing atopic dermatitis is a 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 dermocosmetic care, in addition to topical medical treatments. Applying an emollient everyday 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.
‘‘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.
Read our article: "Atoderm Intensive baume: the reference in caring for atopic skin"
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, 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.
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.
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.
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!
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. Muscial therapy sessions can be prescribed by a healthcare professional (doctor, psychotherapist…), and it’s better to consult official training organisms to find trusted practitioners.
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!
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