Atopy is a painful reality for the millions of people who suffer from it every day. This allergic disorder can cause itching, rashes and breathing difficulties that can interfere with your quality of life. However, understanding the causes of atopy, risk factors and ways to prevent it can help you better manage the symptoms and return to a more comfortable life. Read our article to find out everything you need to know aboutatopy and how to control it.
What is atopy?
Atopy is a genetic condition that often runs in families and causes a variety of spontaneous allergies in the affected individual. According to specialists, these allergies appear as a result of hypersensitivity to the surrounding environment. Thus, these allergies particularly affect the skinthe eyes, the lungs and the nose. In extreme cases, they occur one after the other, in a repetitive manner. This is called atopic walking.
How does it manifest itself?
As explained above, atopy manifests itself through the appearance of various allergies. In the majority of cases, these are of cutaneous origin. The subject then develops atopic eczema. On the other hand, it can happen that the discomfort comes from the lungs and results in asthma. In other situations, the allergies are located in the eyes. The atopic person thus suffers from allergic conjunctivitis. Finally, the patient may suffer from allergic rhinitiscommonly known as ” hay fever “.
What causes allergies?
The person suffering from atopy has a hypersensitivity to the environment around him/her. In other words, they are very sensitive to the various allergens that float through the air every day. Pollen, animal hair, dust,… There are many elements that cause allergies in the subject. Normally, these do not produce any particular reaction in a normal person. On the other hand, in the case of an atopic person, the immune system immune defences fight excessively from a small contact with these allergens. Indeed, their “protective barriers” are delicate, or even almost non-existent.
Can it be cured?
People remain atopic for the rest of their lives. There is no cure, as it is a genetic condition. However, you should know that some symptoms disappear over the years, leaving only the others. For example, the patient may have asthma and not have atopic eczema, or conjunctivitis but not allergic rhinitis. That said, it unfortunately happens that some people experience atopic walking. In any case, to live better with the disease, it is important to see a specialist or specialists. They will be able to offer you different treatments for each type of allergy: care for atopic eczema, care for allergic rhinitis,..
How does atopic walking manifest itself?
The atopic walk is the successive triggering of allergies caused by atopy. Generally speaking, it follows a precise order. First, the subject has atopic eczema. Next comes asthma, then rhinitis and finally conjunctivitis. However, it should be noted that there are cases where allergies alternate or develop in parallel. There may also be situations where the patient only has eczema and the atopic walk never starts.
Natural methods
Natural methods are a gentle and effective alternative to conventional medication for relieving the symptoms of atopy. By taking a more holistic approach to skin health, these methods can help boost the skin’s natural defences, reduce inflammation and soothe itching and irritation. From diet to the use of essential oils and herbal remedies, there are many natural options for managing atopy that can help relieve symptoms in a gentle and sustainable way. It is also important to learn how to regulate immunity:
- Anti-inflammatory diet: eating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms of atopy. You could try the A.I.P method for example.
- Aroma therapyaroma therapy: using essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and chamomile can help soothe the skin and reduce itching.
- Regular exerciseregular exercise: regular exercise can help boost the immune system and prevent flare-ups.
- Meditation and relaxation: meditation and relaxation can help reduce stress, which can make atopy symptoms worse.
- Adequate hydration: drinking enough water can help to hydrate the skin and prevent rashes.