What factors can aggravate atopic dermatitis?
Many factors or conditions can intensify the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including dry skin, winter or cold weather, wool cloths, and other irritating skin conditions. These factors may further trigger the itch-scratch cycle, further stimulating the many times already overactive immune system in the skin. Repeated aggravation and activation of the itch-scratch cycle may cause further skin damage and barrier breakdown. These exacerbating elements can be broken down into two main categories: irritants and allergens. Emotional factors and some infections can also influence atopic dermatitis. What are skin irritants in patients with atopic dermatitis? Irritants are substances that directly affect the skin, and when used in high enough concentrations with long enough contact cause the skin to become red and itchy or to burn. Specific irritants affect people with atopic dermatitis to different degrees. Over time, many patients and their families learn to identify the irritants that are mo
