Risk Factors Can Influence The Risk of Developing Atopic dermatitis/eczema

Genetics are NOT the only risk factor for Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema.
Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Now that you have learnt about your genetic risk, you can determine how aggressively you need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
The earlier in your life that you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, the more you can reduce your risk for or delay the development of Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Dietary Recommendations:

1. Avoid junk food and dairy products, for example cow? milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, nuts, and fish, which are responsible for >90% of food allergies among children.
2. Increase the consumption of food that are rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. For example: carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe, mangoes, spinach, kale, bell peppers, oranges, tea, and berries.

Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. Use skin moisturising creams or emollients daily to reduce dryness of your skin.
2. Avoiding long, hot baths can prevent skin dryness. However, an emollient should be applied directly after a bath to secure a moist epidermis and augment the skin barrier function.
3. Avoid long exposure to common eczema irritants like nickel, cigarette smoke, soaps, detergents, fragrances, antibacterial ointments, household disinfectants, glues, etc.
4. Emotional stress can also cause atopic dermatitis
5. be sure to look for ways to manage stress.
6. Reduce contact with grass and sand.
7. Avoid long durations of exposure to chlorinated pools when swimming.
8. Overheating and sweating can cause irritation to skin barrier.

Exercise Recommendations:

1. Avoid harsh fabrics like polyester.
2. Carry a towel to wipe off sweats to prevent skin irritation.
3. Drink plenty of water before, during exercise and after to avoid dry skin.
4. Avoiding long, hot baths can further prevent skin dryness. However, when a bath is taken, an emollient should be applied directly after it to secure a moist epidermis and augment the skin barrier function.
5. Apply emollient if you want to swim in a pool with chlorine disinfectant. You should also take a shower immediately after swimming as it acts as a protection layer for the skin.

Result Explanation Recommendations:

1. Moderate aerobic exercise may improve respiratory efficiency and inflammatory response which reduces the risk and severity of asthma. Brisk 20 minutes walks, cycling, swimming, and sports can be incorporated.
2. Gradually increase the intensity of swimming and cycling to improve respiratory performance.
3. Swimming is highly beneficial due to its warm and humid environment which does not provoke asthma flare-ups.