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With the arrival of the dog days, the hot weather lasting for about 40 days poses certain challenges to human health and life. A type of atopic dermatitis, known as the "number one disease" in dermatology and prone to occur in children, has a high recurrence rate during the dog days and exacerbates skin lesions and itching symptoms, seriously affecting the quality of life of young patients.

According to reports from pediatrics departments in various hospitals in this city, there has been a significant increase in the number of pediatric patients rushing to seek medical treatment during the summer. Professor Qian Qiufang, member of the Dermatology Group of the Pediatric Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and Director of the Dermatology Department of Shanghai Children's Hospital, pointed out that atopic dermatitis in children is more likely to worsen in summer, and patients must adhere to standardized treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

Longer course of disease than ordinary eczema

In recent years, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in China has been rising, and the younger the age, the higher the incidence rate. In addition, many patients with atopic dermatitis become more severe in summer, and their skin is extremely itchy, which is mainly related to the light and heat in summer. High temperature weather, accompanied by increased sweating, increased UV intensity, prolonged sunlight, and increased frequency of swimming and bathing, may all exacerbate the condition of atopic dermatitis.

Professor Qian Qiufang introduced that atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that is more common in children and mostly occurs in infancy. Genetic factors, immune disorders, and abnormal skin barrier function are the main causes of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis are collectively known as the "childhood atopic triad", and are the earliest onset diseases among the three. The repeated itching of the skin, sleep problems, and impaired attention and confidence caused by it seriously affect the quality of life of children and their families.

Children with atopic dermatitis often have clinical manifestations of eczema at the beginning, followed by infant asthma, followed by allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or urticaria. Compared with ordinary eczema, atopic dermatitis has a longer course of disease and a heavier degree of itching, which can reach the level of "heart-wrenching". If the child has itching, chronic recurrence, and typical shape and location or atypical shape and location at the same time When the three symptoms of xerosis are accompanied, parents should take their children to see a doctor and make clear diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Different from other common skin diseases, the remission and recurrence of atopic dermatitis often alternate, so the treatment not only needs to relieve inflammation, but also needs long-term and effective management.

Standardize treatment and stay away from "social isolation"

Professor Qian Qiufang found in the daily outpatient clinic that children have gradually become aware of "beauty" since kindergarten. In the case of small patients with atopic dermatitis, especially if there are skin lesions in the exposed parts, the child's social psychology may be affected. Affected, it is easy to encounter "social isolation". Therefore, it is particularly necessary to insist on finding a professional doctor for standardized treatment.

According to reports, the current treatment of atopic dermatitis still follows the "step-by-step treatment principle". The "Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis" clearly puts forward the treatment goals: relieve or eliminate clinical symptoms, eliminate inducing and/or aggravating factors, and reduce and Prevent recurrence, reduce or reduce complications, and most importantly improve the quality of life of patients. Regular and good treatment and management of the disease can make the symptoms of atopic dermatitis completely disappear or improve significantly, and patients can enjoy a normal life.

Atopic dermatitis "ladder treatment principle" is the first basic care, is moisturizing, dry skin patients apply moisturizing emollients. Mild atopic dermatitis is mainly treated with glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, and can be combined with antihistamines. Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, at the same time as topical drugs, can be combined with systemic treatment.

Due to the limitations of traditional systemic treatment in terms of safety, and children are in a critical period of growth and development, children with atopic dermatitis are generally not given traditional systemic treatment in clinical practice. For the treatment of children, any pediatrician "puts safety first", in addition to medication compliance. With the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, topical targeted inhibitors for specific inflammatory factors have gradually been applied in clinical practice, bringing new treatment options for patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, especially for children. Non-hormonal drugs such as topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, especially for children with atopic dermatitis, can play a greater value in long-term maintenance therapy. Compliance will be high only after parents and doctors establish a trusting relationship from the first outpatient visit.

Guarding the Health of Children with Professionalism and Love

What issues should children with atopic dermatitis pay attention to in their daily care? Professor Qian Qiufang provides two suggestions:

Firstly, there are many pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis who may have allergic factors. "Although not all pediatric patients can identify the allergen, if diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Therefore, in terms of dietary restrictions, it is recommended to test the allergen for children with severe symptoms. If an allergy to eggs or milk is detected, eggs should be avoided and a follow-up examination should be conducted in six months. If milk allergy is severe, it is necessary to use both topical and low sensitivity formula."

Second, pay attention to moisturizing daily. Patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis should rub moisturizer more, but not too much. "In addition to eczema, atopic dermatitis has a very important performance, that is, the skin is very dry, so we must pay attention to moisturizing. To wear cotton breathable clothes, not too hot." When children can't stand itching, they should still use drugs to regulate treatment.

Image caption: A close-up photo of Professor Qian Qiufang

Talking about the care of small patients, Professor Qian Qiufang said that pediatrics is also known as the "dumb" department, because children are not good at stating their condition and expressing their feelings. Compared with other medical professions, pediatricians need to pay more love, patience and tolerance. "The first choice of the Department of Clinical Medicine I filled in during the college entrance examination was pediatrics. Because I love children, I am more willing to use my major to protect the health and future of children."