Myth: Atopic Dermatitis is contagious
Fact: Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, and you cannot catch it or pass it on to others through physical contact.
Myth: Atopic dermatitis is caused by microorganisms
Fact: The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. But evidences suggest that this condition is due to a combination of factors: genetic, immune-related, and environmental.
Myth: Atopic dermatitis develops only in childhood
Fact: Although atopic dermatitis occurs in early children; often developing before their first birthday, it can occur at any age.
Myth: A family history of atopic dermatitis means that baby will inherit the condition
Fact: Atopic dermatitis is more likely when there is a family history of atopic dermatitis, but not all children will develop it. A child may get atopic dermatitis even if neither parent has it.
Myth: Atopic dermatitis goes away with age
Fact: Some children grow out of the condition or have flares that are less severe over time, but sometimes it carries into adulthood and can be a lifelong condition.
Myth: Atopic dermatitis is not dangerous condition
Fact: Atopic dermatitis can cause many complications and affect the patient’s quality of life, such as: hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, neurodermatitis, sleep problems, depression, and skin infection which may become life-threatening.
Myth: Poor hygiene can cause atopic dermatitis
Fact: Poor hygiene does not cause atopic dermatitis. Dirt and sweat may exacerbate the symptoms, but they do not cause it.
Myth: Bathing every day can make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse
Fact: The water is an effective way to hydrate the skin, so many allergists recommend bathing daily in lukewarm (not hot) water for 15-20 mins. It is important to put moisturizer immediately after the bath. If you don’t moisturize, the moisture your skin needs will evaporate and may make the skin drier.
Myth: Patient with atopic dermatitis cannot go swimming
Fact: Swimming is not prohibited for people with atopic dermatitis except during periods of flare-up (red and itchy). Always moisturize before swimming and rinse the skin in fresh water after each swim and moisturize again.
Myth: The symptoms of atopic dermatitis will regress on their own without treatment
Fact: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, meaning that the symptoms of this condition will come and go. Treating the symptoms quickly is important to keeping it from becoming inflamed which leads to more scratching, making atopic dermatitis worse.
Myth: Topical steroids are not safe and only a small amount should be used
Fact: Topical steroids are usually used once daily when your atopic dermatitis is flaring (red and itchy). If you use the skin steroids too thinly, the inflamed skin may not calm. Therefore, you should put enough amount of the cream or ointment on the rashes.
Myth: Moisturizers supply moisture to the skin
Fact: moisturizers do not add moisture to the skin, but they help seal the water inside and keep the skin elastic by creating a lipid barrier.
Myth: All moisturizers are working for atopic dermatitis
Fact: There are many types of common moisturizers that aren’t good at helping control your atopic dermatitis. The best moisturizers are the ones that contain more oil (ointments and creams). Try different products until you find one that works best for your skin.
Myth: Atopic dermatitis can be cured
Fact: There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but there are ways to manage symptoms: Avoid the things that trigger the symptoms, moisturize the skin at least twice daily, take a bath in lukewarm water daily and moisturize immediately afterward, and use specific treatments recommended by doctor
Myth: Atopic dermatitis is always worse in the winter
Fact: Atopic dermatitis is a problem all year round.
Myth: Bleach baths make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse
Fact: Bleach bath may help lessen symptoms of atopic dermatitis when used as directed by doctor and combined with a moisturizer and other medication. Bleach bath can kill bacteria on the skin, improves active atopic dermatitis (the skin is dry, red, and itchy skin), and prevents skin infection.
