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Identifying Trigger Foods and Avoiding Unnecessary Dietary Limits: The Role of Food Diaries in Managing Atopic Dermatitis

It’s widely recognized that Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic condition prone to flare-ups, making it a persistent challenge for those affected. The question arises, can we enhance the quality of life for AD patients? The resounding answer is YES! A crucial step in this direction is mastering trigger management, which can significantly simplify life for AD sufferers.

Triggers, which can range from airborne pollen to specific food allergies, are essentially any factor that can precipitate an AD flare-up. Stress, physical activity leading to sweating, infections, and changes in weather can all exacerbate the condition, making the condition area redder, itchier, and significantly disrupting the lives of those with AD. For individuals without AD, managing these triggers might seem straightforward, but for those afflicted, it can feel overwhelmingly daunting.

So, how do we tackle these triggers? The solution lies in journaling in other words keeping a detailed skin diary or log, documenting daily skin conditions. This practice benefits not just the patient but also the healthcare provider managing the AD, allowing for the identification of personal triggers through regular tracking.

Diet also plays a crucial role in managing AD. Certain foods, especially those with added colours like Chinese dishes, seafood such as shellfish, citrus fruits, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and sometimes eggs, can trigger flare-ups. It’s essential for individuals with AD to consume these foods cautiously if the specific triggers are unknown.

Implementing these strategies, coupled with the support of a dermatologist and a nutritionist, can significantly improve life for an AD patient, making it more joyful and free from the constant irritation of itchiness. For further information or guidance, reach out to your GOQii Skin Coach.

#BeTheForce

References –

Tamagawa-Mineoka R, Katoh N. Atopic Dermatitis: Identification and Management of Complicating Factors. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 11;21(8):2671. doi: 10.3390/ijms21082671. PMID: 32290423; PMCID: PMC7215488.

Girolomoni G, Busà VM. Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi: 10.1177/20406223211066728. PMID: 35070252; PMCID: PMC8771745.

All guidance above with respect to elimination of foods is as per dietary guidance and not as per dermatologist

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Optimizing Skin Hydration: Effective Strategies for Managing Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) conjures up images of dry, itchy, and rough patches plaguing the skin. The instinctive response to ease the situation is often moisturization, and rightfully so, as maintaining hydration is fundamental in managing AD.

However, tackling AD’s persistent dryness typically requires more than a standard over-the-counter moisturizer. Dermatologists often recommend a medicated, rich, and occlusive moisturizer loaded with skin-barrier fortifying ingredients. For those living with AD, a one-time daily application simply won’t suffice; diligent and repeated moisturization throughout the day is essential for preventing dryness and improving moisture retention.

But is there more to skin hydration than just moisturizers? Indeed, a few straightforward lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference. Shorter, lukewarm baths, the use of gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, and immediate post-shower skin moisturization while the skin is still damp can have long-term benefits for the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it supple and preventing dryness.

As for activities like swimming, which involve extended water exposure, it’s advisable to apply an occlusive substance, such as petroleum jelly, on dry patches to shield the skin from chlorine’s harsh effects. Nevertheless, consulting a dermatologist is crucial before undertaking such activities, as they can best assess one’s specific skin needs.

A common query arises about the role of internal hydration – does drinking ample water naturally moisturize the skin? Contrary to popular belief, internal hydration doesn’t directly translate to skin moisturization. However, staying well-hydrated is indispensable for overall bodily functions like digestion and excretion, which in turn support skin health by helping to eliminate toxins.

Investing in simple lifestyle changes pays dividends for skin health, offering an invaluable benefit for managing Atopic Dermatitis without a hefty price tag. For further information or guidance, reach out to your GOQii Skin Coach.

#BeTheForce

References – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

Rajagopalan M, De A, Godse K, Krupa Shankar DS, Zawar V, Sharma N, Mukherjee S, Sarda A, Dhar S. Guidelines on Management of Atopic Dermatitis in India: An Evidence-Based Review and an Expert Consensus. Indian J Dermatol. 2019 May-Jun;64(3):166-181. doi: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_683_18. PMID: 31148854; PMCID: PMC6537677.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9954916/

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Understanding and Managing Atopic Dermatitis Triggers

Do relentless red, itchy, and parched patches frequently mar your skin, perhaps across your face or hidden in the bends of your body? Are allergies your constant, unwelcome companions, manifesting as persistent runny noses, morning sneezes, or reactions to certain foods? Or maybe you find yourself combatting the tell-tale wheeze of asthma? If these experiences resonate with you, it’s time to uncover the layers of Atopic Dermatitis (AD).

Atopic Dermatitis, a specific form of eczema, commonly makes its debut in childhood and can persist well into adult years in some cases. This condition is visually marked by red, inflamed, and dry and itchy eczematous lesions on the face & body. The origins of AD are complex, rooted in a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental elements, and it behaves in a cycle of exacerbations and calm.

This condition is best described as chronic and relapsing, which means that there may be periods of flareups (disease aggravation) and remissions (disease free period). Early diagnosis & therapeutic intervention play a crucial role in disease remission.

Understanding and identifying what ignites AD is critical. Triggers vary widely—some dwell within the body like a compromised skin barrier, while others lurk in our surroundings, such as dietary allergens or the sun’s harsh rays, climatic changes, physical exertion and sweating. These triggers can be very specific and subjective and recognising these culprits is pivotal. Thus, keeping a detailed skin diary can be instrumental in mastering an individual’s condition. It will really aid in disease control and management. These triggers if not monitored, lead to a FLARE.

A flare-up, or ‘flare’, signifies a severe intensification of symptoms that disrupts life and demands immediate medical attention. In such phases, the skin’s plight worsens: redness ravages, and itchiness intensifies, often leading to infected, weeping wounds.

This event often hampers the individual’s quality of life. Thus, trigger management and flare prevention are two very important parts in treating AD. But there’s a beacon of hope. Through meticulous trigger management and prevention strategies, flare-ups can be mitigated or reduced. Simple adjustments to one’s lifestyle and dietary habits can pave the way to managing this irksome condition.

With the collaborative efforts of a dermatologist, a dietician or nutritionist, and a physician, the goal is not just to treat but to transform lives. The objective is clear – enhance the quality of life through prolonged remission, navigating each individual towards a smoother journey with Atopic Dermatitis.

We hope this article helps you. For further information or guidance, reach out to your GOQii Skin Coach.

#BeTheForce

Reference – Girolomoni G, Busà VM. Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi: 10.1177/20406223211066728. PMID: 35070252; PMCID: PMC8771745.

Kolb L, Ferrer-Bruker SJ. Atopic Dermatitis. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Availabatopic-dermatitis-triggers-managementle from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448071

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10 Habits Which Are Destroying Your Health

10 bad habits destroying your healthHabits play an important role in our lives. From the time we wake up, till we hit the pillow at night, most of the things that we do during the day are wrapped up in some form of habits. Of these habits, some are towards keeping ourselves healthy and there are some habits which might be unnoticeable, but yet very harmful for us. Let’s take a look at the 10 habits that are destroying your health!

10 Habits That Are Destroying Your Health 

  1. Having fruits along with meals: We do get a good dose of carbohydrates in our regular meals and by adding extra carbohydrates, it will exceed the limit and lead to over intake of carbohydrates. It’s best to eat fruits half an hour before a meal or as mid meals.
  2. Not having our meals on time: We should always have our meals on time. Once you do that, it helps us set up our body clock according to that specific meal time so that digestion and nutrient absorption happens at the same time every day and it won’t go off track.
  3. Skipping breakfast or any other meals: Skipping our meals, especially breakfast, is not a good idea. It may lead to muscle loss, fatigue and irritation, among other health issues, as there might not be any energy and glucose to keep us going during a hectic day.
  4. Having a heavy dinner: The calories and carbs which we have during dinner will not be utilized at night. So when we sleep, all of it is turned into fat and stored in the body. Always keep your dinner light.
  5. Less water intake: may lead to dehydration and that can directly affect our immunity, which in turn can be the cause for many diseases. At least 2 to 3 liters of water in a day is must!
  6. Keeping a long gap between your meals: Keeping long gaps between meals leads to overeating our next meal. It will also slow down our BMR so that we eat more and that is the cause for weight gain.
  7. Chewing your food fast: We should always take at least 20 minutes to complete a meal. Chewing fast will not help in absorption and breakdown of the nutrients in the food that we eat.
  8. Having processed foods: Processed foods which contain sugar, white flour or corn flour, may risk us with water retention in our body and will also increase our salt intake because of the preservatives.
  9. Confusing thirst with hunger: Sometimes when we feel thirsty we may confuse it with hunger and start eating an untimely meal, so it’s best to first feel, recognize and keep yourself hydrated so that we don’t feel hungry because of less water intake.
  10. Overeating: can easily go unnoticed and this can cause problems like weight gain and obesity. This is often regarded as an eating disorder. If you are a binge eater, it’s time to make some changes. Maintaining portion control is the best way to eat mindfully.

So sit back and check if these habits are a part of your lifestyle and change them for the best! If you have difficulty breaking a habit or need that extra dose of motivation, reach out to an expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce 

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