Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that commonly affects infants and children. The term is used to describe several types of conditions that lead to reddened, scaly, itchy, and aggressive inflammation of the skin of children and infants. Knowing more about this disorder helps parents and healthcare professionals aid their children with this condition better. Thus, here are the symptoms, causes, and foods to eat to alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis symptoms
These are the typical indicators of atopic dermatitis in children or infants:

Rashes
Atopic dermatitis can be diagnosed on the basis of skin infection and rashes on the inside of elbows and behind the knees in children. Apart from these, rashes can appear in other areas such as the neck, wrists, ankles, the area between the buttocks, or the creases on top of the child’s thighs. Children end up rubbing and scratching these areas vigorously to get some relief from the incessant itchiness.

Itchy skin
As mentioned above, a characteristic aspect of atopic dermatitis is itchiness. This condition tends to dry the skin, making it highly irritable and itchy. Despite the itchiness, it is recommended for kids not to scratch their skin too much as that results in rashes and further skin damage.

Atopic dermatitis – Causes and aggravators
Atopic dermatitis in children is mainly caused or aggravated by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, some of which include:

Immune system reaction
A baby’s immune system tends to be very reactive against foreign entities such as viruses and bacteria to prevent making the child sick. Genetically-caused atopic dermatitis in children often forces the immune system to overreact and mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This results in skin damage and infection, which may lead to atopic dermatitis symptoms in infants or babies.

Genetics
Changes to the DNA that take place when a baby’s genes form can cause issues in the baby’s body, cells, and skin. Sometimes, such issues include a lack of enough protective skin barrier proteins in the baby’s body. This causes infants and babies to be born with initial-stage atopic dermatitis.

Skin allergens and irritants
Environmental factors, in this case, include fabrics, soaps, and certain foods that cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups in children. If a child has a prior allergy, then these elements aggravate the infection on their skin, worsening the condition.

Foods to eat to alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms
Here are some foods that children can be given to keep atopic dermatitis flare-ups at bay. Note that the acceptable foods will be different in cases of atopic dermatitis in infants and babies. It is strongly recommended to plan a food regime in consultation with a dermatologist and a nutritionist.

Fatty fish
Fishes that contain high reserves of omega-3 fatty acids are incredible anti-inflammatory foods that reduce the possibility of flare-ups in children. Some such fishes are salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Nuts and seeds
Nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds also contain essential fatty acids. Among seeds, flaxseeds contain good amounts of vitamin E and fatty acids.

Apart from these, fresh vegetables and berries such as spinach, peaches, grapes, apricots, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and currants are also beneficial for managing atopic dermatitis.