Allergy or atopy? How to recognize the differences 2015/04/15

Red skin, itchiness, small blisters or spots… it is an allergy! Are you sure?

On reality it could be an atopy or atopic dermatitis.

But, what is the difference and how to recognize them?

Generally, it could be said that the trigger is different: an allergic person reacts to contact with substances called allergenic; nevertheless, in dermatitis, the skin receives to many external “stimulus” and reacts with redness, with no cause.

Dermatitis manifests by eczema, this is, because of a non-contagious reaction but sometimes very uncomfortable: the zone appears red, them blisters may appear and spots that cause itchiness.

There are various types of atopic dermatitis or atopy:

Contact dermatitis: it occurs when there is direct contact with certain substances like stinging plants, perfumes, cosmetics, detergent, clothing coloring or metals.

Diaper dermatitis: typical in babies, it manifests on the genital area, it is caused by the continuous graze of the diaper and the stagnation of urine and bowel movements. Changing the baby frequently and the use of a zinc oxide based ointment resolves the problem fast.

Seborrehic dermatitis: it appears mainly in zones with high concentration of sweat glands (scalp, nose and armpits) and it presents as yellowish spots due to the presence of tallow.

Stress dermatitis: in absence of contact or swear, this type of pathology manifests randomly during particularly difficult periods of life, when we are charged with excess emotional or physical work. Avoiding it is practically impossible.

Since there are not specific tests to determine the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, nor a standard therapy, your pediatrician will base on a visual analysis and will advice you about the best cure. Amongst the most used methods there are cortisone based ointments, moisturizers or Vaseline based oils, shea butter, calendula or chamomile, known for their calming and relaxing properties.

Some useful precautions are: using neutral soaps and detergents, avoiding the use of synthetic clothes that do not allow the skin to breathe, do not excess on eating certain foods (for example, strawberries, chocolate, crustaceans, tomatoes considered ‘irritating’) and limit –within reason- stress because it affects the body’s efficiency greatly.

These are some of the indications. In case of eczema appearance, do not doubt on consulting your pediatrician.