Atopy: The Complete Guide & How We Can Help

It’s more than likely that if you have atopy, you’ll already know about it! This condition means a predisposition toward particular allergic reactions, one commonly being atopic eczema.

Although a challenge, atopy can be managed to prevent reactions from flaring up. However, prevention isn’t always possible. For the times the condition is unfortunately triggered, we’re here to try to help balance and calm the skin.

What is Atopy?

Atopy is the term given when someone has allergic hypersensitivity, or is ‘ hyperallergenic’.

Atopy usually presents itself first as atopic eczema, along with asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis after being exposed to an allergen. However, not all sufferers will experience all 3 conditions.

If someone does suffer with all 3 symptoms, it is referred to as the “allergic triad”.

Atopy can also present other symptoms, so for a true diagnosis, please consult a healthcare professional.

Who Develops Atopy?

People of all ages can suffer from atopy - it can even develop later in life.

However, it is usually seen for the first time in infants and carries on into adulthood. It is thought that those with atopy have a genetic susceptibility to it. About 13% of children in the U.S. have atopic dermatitis, where coming into contact with certain allergens will result in an eczema rash.

Atopy can develop during pregnancy, but improve after the baby is born. It is also thought that a woman’s diet during pregnancy may influence the likelihood of the child developing atopy.

Interestingly, western, industrialised countries have the highest prevalence of sufferers, particularly in wealthier families.

Atopy Triggers

Allergens can vary from person to person, but there are some common themes.

Food

Food is a common trigger for atopy and is best to avoid these if you know they are a trigger for you. Some of the most common allergens include:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Wheat
• Soya
• Seafood
• Sesame
• Kiwi
• Legumes

Atopy may appear associated with an undiagnosed non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Studies suggest that the consumption of antioxidants, certain lipids and a mainly Mediterranean diet may help to prevent atopic diseases.

As reactions can sometimes be quite severe, it is worth arranging a professional allergy test to determine which foods you should avoid.

Contact Allergens

Some allergens only need to come into contact with the skin to produce a reaction, this is also known as contact dermatitis. These can include: preservatives, perfume, metals and latex. Such substances can appear in things like cleaning products, makeup, skincare and jewelry.

Although not foolproof, we recommend using as many natural products as possible - synthetic chemicals can be irritating to the healthiest of skin!

Climate

Those living in climates where there are temperature and humidity extremes can be at risk of triggering their atopy. It can also follow seasonal patterns, where some people may find they are triggered more commonly in the colder, winter weather.

Atopy & Skincare

The ideal skincare for someone suffering with atopy, are hypoallergenic products, made from ingredients that are least likely to irritate and better yet, restore, balance and nourish the skin! Experts agree that emollients (moisturizing lotions) are a great daily treatment for atopic eczema.

Odylique skincare is made from 100% natural ingredients, certified to strict Soil Association organic standards. Our products are free from common allergens such as lanolin, wheat, dairy and soya derivatives, salicylic acid, peanut oil and common allergen tree nut oils.

We don’t believe any other brand is as hypoallergenic.

Although skincare may not prevent the onset of atopic eczema, it can certainly help soothe the skin and get it back to normal, faster.

For when flare ups to arise, we recommend our Organic Repair Lotion, a light body moisturizer made from anti inflammatory, reparative botanicals to help relieve the skin. Our Ultra Rich Balm also works well, especially on very sensitive areas of the skin that need a layer of protection.

Take a look at the ingredients label on the rest of your personal care products too; you might be surprised at what is included in the formulation. Avoid the likes of sulfates, mineral oil and synthetic fragrances, which are all linked to skin irritation.

Opt for purer, simpler formulations. Our Aloe Body Wash is perfect to cleanse your skin in the bath or shower, with minimal, gentle ingredients that won’t strip your skin of oil or trigger a reaction.

As with all skincare, not just Odylique, we do recommend a small patch test before use.

Of course, atopy doesn’t just result in skin issues, but other symptoms need to be managed too. We recommend getting in touch with a healthcare professional to assess and treat the condition as a whole.

If you'd like any more advice on skincare, don’t hesitate to ask us! Email us at customercare@odylique.co.uk or add your question as a comment below – we're here to help!



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