Atopic is derived from the word “atopy” which describes a group who have a history of asthma, eczema, hay fever and dry skin. Thus atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It is a skin disease which is red and inflammatory. There is no known medical cure therefore it is chronically relapsing. This means although with proper medication the atopic dermatitis may be cured or in medical term in remission it can one day come back. However this skin disease is not contagious but scientists believe it to be hereditary.
A patient with atopic dermatitis normally reacts rather badly to allergens such as food and environmental irritants. Their skin becomes red in color, dry, flaky and very itchy. Due to the scratching of the skin it bleeds and this become easily infected with bacteria. In severe cases the condition can cover the whole body. Atopic dermatitis is a very common skin disease affecting about 20% of children and about 2% adults in United States of America. However very little is understood about the underlying causes of this skin disease. Since there is no cure, treatment is mainly the discovery of triggers of the allergic reactions and trying to avoid them.
Once the triggers have been found topical treatments can be used. These topical treatments merely focus on relieving both the dryness and the inflammation of the affected skin. To alleviate the dryness a hypoallergenic moisturizer need to be regularly used on the affected areas of the skin. The use of moisturizers is most effective when applied immediately after taking a bath.
Virgin coconut oil can also be used in combating the dryness of the affected skin. This virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid which is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Lauric acid which is also found in mother’s milk is the most essential fatty acid for the building of an immune system in the body.
The virgin coconut oil help to restore damaged skin by penetrating into the cell structures of the connective tissues of your skin. It is an excellent natural treatment for eczema as well as other skin disorders. It also helps to prevent the skin from developing liver spots by destroying free radical formation. It is also good for its anti-ageing properties. Virgin coconut oil is therefore an excellent natural cure for the deadly itch or the eczema or in medical terms the atopic dermatitis.