Managing Skin Asthma: 5 Products that Help

Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as skin asthma or infantile eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition affecting children in infancy, as early as 3 months of age. While most recurring cases of AD resolve by the age of 5, some will persist into  adulthood, with periods of exacerbations and remissions lasting well into the patient’s 20’s and 30’s. AD is characterized by dry skin, severe itching and various types of skin lesions, ranging from mild redness to severe manifestations such as lichenification, or thickening of the skin due to repeated rubbing.

AD occurs when an environmental trigger causes an allergic reaction in the body. Such triggers include foods, airborne allergens, and colonization of the bacteria, Staph aureus, on the skin. Approximately 80% of AD cases tend to run in families, which suggests a genetic component. Because environmental triggers play a major role in the recurrence of symptoms, avoiding exposure to such allergens and boosting the body’s immune system are the best methods for preventing AD.

Beware of common food allergens in children such as peanuts, soy, eggs, and dairy, wheat, and fish. Also, be sure to read product labels, since many children’s snacks either contain these ingredients or are manufactured in factories that process such allergens.  Even though food allergies and sensitivities usually manifest as a digestion problem, there are allergic reactions that are asymptomatic, so consult with your child’s pediatrician if you’d like to test for certain food-related allergies or sensitivities.

As AD is related to your body’s immune system, a healthy diet rich in essential fats, vitamins, and minerals will boost your child’s defenses. Rarely, a child may be histamine-intolerant, meaning the body is sensitive to outside sources of histamine, the compound that is released during an allergic reaction. If the pediatrician confirms such findings, it may help to start a histamine-free diet, which excludes fish/shellfish, cheeses, hard cured sausages, alcohol, eggplant, spinach, and tomatoes. Avoid excess sugar consumption, as sugar will exacerbate the inflammation due to AD. Also, mild exposure to morning sunlight will aid in the production of Vitamin D, a powerful immune-boosting nutrient.

Airborne allergens contributing to AD include dust mites, molds, and dander. Use synthetic fiber pillows, and wash your beddings with hot water. Avoid using upholstered furniture, and avoid carpets and rugs, as dust mites and pet dander can collect in them. For the same reason, remove any stuffed animals, and keep children away from pets (especially the furry ones!). Use a dehumidifier in poorly ventilated areas, and keep the kitchen and bathrooms dry to prevent formation of molds. If a bacterial infection has occurred on the skin, an antibiotic may be prescribed by your child’s pediatrician. In the meantime, try to reduce emotional stress, as it can further depress the immune system, thus hampering the child’s inability to fight off the infection.

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Supportive care is a tedious but highly effective way to control the symptoms of AD. First, bathing would be infrequent and should only be done with lukewarm water (not hot). Soap should be used minimally, as they may dry out the skin. If you can find (or make!) one, a colloidal oatmeal bath can be extremely soothing. Make sure to moisturize immediately after a bath, using body oils and emollients (Tip: coconut oil and olive oil are cheap and healthy ways to moisturize, without the harmful chemicals of the more common skincare products like lotions). Finally, if your child is suffering from severe itching, ensure that his or her fingernails are cut short so as not to damage the skin.

The following are suggested products to help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of skin asthma, both on the skin and from inside the body:

1. Itcho’s Body Oil by All Organics
Specially formulated for skin asthma sufferers, this spray-on oil can help with the itchiness that plagues kids with AD. It is made with organic ingredients, for all you health-buffs out there! Use in combination with their non-drying Goat’s Milk Honey Oatmeal Soap.

Available at Sesou Nature Source, Trinoma./ Market! Market!

2. Oasis Soothing VoCo Cream
Made with oils from two superfoods - avocado and coconut, this vitamin-rich cream will deeply nourish dry and irritated skin without harmful chemicals. Also, it contains soothing essential oils to make skin smell and feel good! Try with Oasis Baby Oil, which has colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and calendula oil for extra moisturizing power.

 Available at Happy Haven Ecostore (see http://happyhaven.multiply.com for details)
 
3. VitaKid Chewable Tablets by Ancient Legacy
Since skin health comes from the inside, maximizing your child’s defenses would be a basic way to manage AD. A daily dose of essential nutrients will help him fight the allergy. This tasty chewable multi boasts of more vitamin and mineral content than the leading brand of children’s vitamins, and is free of artificial sweeteners. Good for adults, too!

 Available at Happy Healthy Home Store (to locate nearest store, call +639152935754)

4. Hydrowash Laundry Detergent by Pureworks
As if it isn’t enough of a hassle to have to frequently wash bedding, there are also household cleaning products that can cause allergic reactions in some children. Laundry detergent is especially important as it contacts the skin. This product is free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and unnecessary fillers that will only aggravate your child’s AD symptoms.

 Available at Youngevity, Makati (for store hours, call +639277556336)

5. Cetaphil Lotion
This product combines the power of a prescription topical ointment in a non-prescription lotion. Dermatologists worldwide recommend this brand for a number of skin conditions, especially those accompanied with dry skin. Use sparingly- it’s slightly thicker in consistency than the average lotion.

Available at Mercury Drug stores, Nationwide

 

For more information about products that are Best for Baby, click here.

 

This article was first published last March 8, 2012.

Photo by mjiang_2000 from flickr creative commons