Sleeping well becomes a challenge for patients suffering from skin diseases, which can trigger other effects on the physical and mental health of Colombians.
Different experts in Colombia have stated that sleep is severely affected in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, a disease also known as eczema, which can present chronic levels when the skin becomes inflamed and irritated, which causes a lot of itching in people.
The specialist in Dermatology, a member of the Colombian Association of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, AsoColDerma, and the Ibero-Latin American College of Dermatology, CILAD, María Fernanda Ordoñez, stated that this disease can occur in minors, but also in the older adults.
“90% of atopic dermatitis cases start before the age of five, however, some patients can start with the disease in adulthood, which corresponds to between 2% and 4%,” he said.
He stressed that, although the number of people affected in the country may be unknown, it is important that health professionals make an adequate diagnosis.
“Although currently, in Colombia there are no exact figures of the current incidence of the disease; It is estimated that around 20% or 30% of children may suffer from this eczema, and in adults the percentage is between 3% and 5%, without neglecting the underreporting that exists at the national level ”, he held.
According to experts, it is essential to take into account that apart from itching, which can be intense, there are other warning signs such as dry patches on the skin that are red to dark brown in color, a rash that may bleed, or that may ooze or secrete a clear fluid when scratching and thickening and hardening of the skin.
“It’s important to recognize that atopic dermatitis can’t be passed from person to person, and the rash can appear anywhere on the body,” he explained.
Activation of the disease
The doctor Fernanda warned that the disease has a genetic component, but it is not hereditary. “There are external factors that can generate the activation of the disease or trigger a response of the third factor, which is inflammation, among them is the ambient temperature, certain particles in it and contact with some animals or food,” he said.
He stressed that the impact on quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis is severe, considering that people often have other conditions, such as asthma and allergies, including food allergies.
“You cannot forget skin diseases, such as ichthyosis, which causes dryness and thickening of the skin; depression or anxiety; and loss of sleep, as they have been known in the latest studies carried out not only in the country, but also internationally, ”he assured.
The doctor has warned that sleep disturbance can cause difficulties in the concentration and productivity of people in their work activities.
“The alteration in this period of rest for children ends up being very significant, there are children and also adults who have difficulty falling asleep, or may have multiple awakenings during the night, which leads to difficulty waking up in the morning and finally having daytime sleepiness, basically, the patient who does not rest during the night, during the day presents alterations for the development of their academic and work activities”, he specified.
Skin diseases and sleep
Ana Dolores Román, general manager of Pfizer in Colombia, stated that skin diseases are related to sleep quality.
“Conditions such as atopic dermatitis affect fundamental routines for life such as the quality of sleep. A comprehensive look at this type of patients is required, since their work productivity and daily life are profoundly affected and it is necessary to join efforts to help reduce this impact that transcends the aesthetic, and that is evident at first glance ”, held.
“It should be taken into account that this eczema is associated with metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular diseases, and other diseases mediated by the immune system; It is a pathology that affects all spheres of the patient, and without a doubt, it is one of those that most affects mental health. Many studies have shown that atopic dermatitis is linked to the appearance of depression, anxiety, increased substance abuse disorders such as alcohol, cigarettes; and even of some slightly more complex spectrums such as autism and attention deficit disorder, the dermatology specialist concludes, ”she pointed out.
recommendations
The experts affirmed that living with atopic dermatitis can be difficult, but adequate medical monitoring and the indicated therapies that help control the symptoms are essential to improve the patient’s quality of life.
For this reason, it is important to keep in mind that sleeping well means considering your health in general; Improving sleep hygiene includes sticking to the same sleep schedule every day, even on weekends, practicing a relaxing bedtime routine to make it easier to fall asleep quickly, choosing the best mattress that is supportive, and comfortable, and equip it with the best pillows and bedding, in addition to minimizing the possible interruptions of light and sound while optimizing the temperature of your bedroom.
They suggest that it is important to disconnect from electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops for half an hour or before bedtime, in addition to vigilance with caffeine and alcohol intake to avoid consumption in the hours before bedtime. .
