Atopic dermatitis: AndeA, the National Atopic Dermatitis Association which also aims to raise public awareness on the psychological, social and economic impact of AD is born.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousatopic dermatitis, an insidious and in some respects devastating disease, which could also force those who suffer from it to close themselves up and not live a normal life, with various sacrifices also from the working point of view. Itching and dryness of the skin, redness on the skin and blisters: this is how atopic dermatitis (AD or atopic eczema) manifests itself, even in different ways depending on the age of the patient, who often also suffers from anxiety and depression.
For this reason and to give a voice to those affected by atopic eczema and to their families, AndeA, the National Association of Atopic Dermatitis, was born, with the aim also of raise public awareness of the psychological impact, social and economic aspects of AD, and "represent patients at institutional tables to define diagnostic therapeutic assistance paths that favor access to innovative therapies and support research".
In fact, 1 in 2 patients suffers from anxiety and depression, in 60% of cases the main symptom is a unbearable itching and sleep disturbances in 70% of cases. Nearly one in five people with severe atopic dermatitis have thought about suicide, while 10% find it difficult to keep a job. These are the most significant impacts of the disease on people's quality of life, an army of approx 35 adults and 7 seriously ill.
"Our primary objective - declares Mario Picozza, President of ANDeA - is to offer support to those suffering from AD and their families, through concrete help, such as training courses that aim at greater awareness of the disease and improvement of conditions of life ".
Atopic eczema, as we read from the Association's website, is one inflammatory dermatosis conditioned by both genetic and environmental factors with chronic-recurrent evolution: this means that periods of exacerbation alternate with periods of remission. Most affected are the hands, feet, inner crease of the elbow and posterior crease of the knees, wrists, ankles, face, neck and chest and often around the eyes as well.
The disease affects adults e children and could also be associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Although his debut is almost always associated with early life, with an incidence that is around 10-20% in children, the manifestations also occur in adulthood in about 3-4 cases out of 10.
The main characteristics of atopic dermatitis are:
- has a complex etiopathogenesis: dysfunction of the epidermal barrier, overactive skin to inflammatory stimuli and immunological events
- it can occur at all ages
- relevant and complex genetic components with consequent variable phenotype
- intense itching even with recurrent skin infections, sleep disturbances, impaired social and work relationships
For the rest, atopic dermatitis is, for those who suffer from it, a life partner whose presence is too often intrusive and frustrating.
You may also read about atopic dermatitis:
- Atopic dermatitis: how to intervene in children
- Atopic dermatitis: increases in children. Smog and pollution under fire
We must learn to live with it, because the treatments available so far are only palliatives that are useful for certain periods. Strength and courage it takes to deal with eczema and a good dose of it self esteem. Do not take into account the comments of those who do not know your situation and go ahead trying to love yourself as much as possible.
Germana Carillo
