KEY TAKEAWAYS: Many estheticians wonder: What does atopic dermatitis look like? Understanding different skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), is essential to your role as an esthetician. It is the first step to helping your clients address and overcome the skin conditions they struggle with.
Estheticians have the unique opportunity to build the career and life that they envision. Whether you’re creating innovative skincare products, building a skincare brand, or helping your clients achieve healthier, better-looking skin, it all starts with having the proper knowledge.
One topic in which you should be well-versed is skin conditions. From mild to wild, you’re sure to encounter a variety of skin types and skin conditions, and you should be prepared to help your clients overcome whatever it is they are facing. Among these conditions is atopic dermatitis, which is a common type of eczema.
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like?
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions that estheticians will encounter, especially among younger people.
Because every skin condition requires different care, it is incredibly important to know what to do when you encounter types of eczema like atopic dermatitis. The more efficiently you can recognize it, the more effectively you can address it.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
As a chronic skin condition, atopic dermatitis can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it. At its core, it is a common type of eczema that manifests in symptoms of dryness, inflammation, and irritation. The severity of eczema can ebb and flow; sometimes, it will be mild, but flare-ups can occur.
Thankfully, this skin condition is not contagious.
While there's no definitive cause, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Because environmental irritants like allergens, detergent, soaps, and even weather changes can cause flare-ups, estheticians need to be cautious with the types of products or facial treatments they provide to clients with atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema.
How to Identify Atopic Dermatitis
While esthetician's cannot diagnose skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, you can play a vital role in helping your client seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Eczema is typically identified by the presence of symptoms. As an esthetician, familiarizing yourself with these symptoms can allow you to quickly determine if your client may be struggling with eczema like atopic dermatitis.
- Itchiness. Clients with eczema are likely to experience itchiness, especially when they have a flare-up.
- Raw or sensitive skin. Because eczema can cause such severe itchiness, people with the condition often have damaged skin from excessive scratching. This can be as mild as increased sensitivity and as severe as open wounds.
- Rashes, swelling, and bumps. Eczema often causes rashes, skin bumps, swelling, and other similar symptoms. While not always obvious, depending on skin tone and severity, these skin problems may be indicative of eczema.
- Thickened skin, darkening of skin, and oozing or crusting skin. Other potential indicators of atopic dermatitis include thick skin (which may appear leathery), skin discoloration (particularly around the eyes), and even oozing or crusting skin.
"At its core, it is a common type of eczema that manifests in symptoms of dryness, inflammation, and irritation. The severity of eczema can ebb and flow; sometimes, it will be mild, but flare-ups can occur."
If any of these symptoms are present, it’s worth recommending a trip to the dermatologist.
What to Do When You Encounter Atopic Dermatitis
If you come across a skin condition that you suspect is atopic dermatitis or another type of eczema, it's important to refer your client to a dermatologist for a medical diagnosis. Dermatologists can prescribe medications and recommend medical treatment options.
As an esthetician, however, you can provide recommendations for helpful skincare treatments.
A basic skincare routine using the appropriate products can work wonders. Here are a few skincare tips to keep in mind:
- Mild, unscented moisturizers are a must.
- Daily showers (or baths) are key.
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free cleansers work best.
- Focus on patting the skin dry. Wiping can cause irritation that triggers worse symptoms.
- Light therapy can reduce inflammation, but only medical-grade light therapy can treat.
For clients with severe atopic dermatitis, avoiding things that might trigger their condition and cause a flare-up is key to keeping symptoms under control. Environmental factors like certain cleaning products, pollen, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and irritating chemicals are among the top culprits.
Being prepared to help your clients deal with common skin issues like eczema and atopic dermatitis is key to succeeding as an esthetician. The next time someone asks you, “What does atopic dermatitis look like?” we hope that this blog helps you answer confidently.
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