Santo Domingo – Dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is among the most prevalent and least recognized skin diseases.
Dr. José Alberto Torres, an allergist at the Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital and the Centros de Diagnóstico Médico Medicina Avanzada y Telemedicine (Cedimat), made the statement. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often appears in early childhood, being the first manifestation of the so-called “atopic march” (progressive appearance of allergic diseases since childhood). The specialist said it can even considerably affect mental health.
In the past, this disease was considered to be a white or Caucasian disease, sometimes even being stigmatized as a disease of the “upper class or rich people.” Over time, as its etiopathogenesis and geographic distribution became known, it was discarded entirely.
As in other regions, the incidence of atopic dermatitis in Latin America has been increasing in recent years, becoming a disease almost as prevalent as bronchial asthma.
In the Dominican Republic, it is estimated that up to 30 to 40% of children of allergic or atopic parents may inherit this condition and debut from birth with the symptoms of this pathology.
This condition is characterized mainly by generalized dryness of the skin. It is a product of a genetic alteration that causes a lack or poor production of fats and natural proteins that make up the first layer of the skin or epidermis, which serves as natural waterproofing, during the fetus’s development.
The skin that develops in intrauterine life in this individual will be unstructured, with a tendency to dehydration and, consequently, to the appearance of continuous and desperate itching in various parts of the body, which can vary depending on the patient’s age.
The specialist analyzes that it is a difficult condition for patients and their families that seriously affects daily life.
Skin involvement can become chronic to such an extent that an individual’s health and general well-being can be seriously affected by the disease and can even be a major cause of school absenteeism and reduced work performance or disability.
For several years, the medical community related to this disease has been commemorating “World Atopic Eczema Day” on September 14 to amplify the voices of those living with this condition. The campaign seeks to visualize the health problem, not hide the reality, ensuring awareness, promoting understanding, and advocating for better care and treatment.
Access to timely treatment remains a challenge for many patients with atopic eczema.