Things You Need to Know About Atopic Disease
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The prevalence of eczema and other inherited allergies problems has led to the release of key government guidance.
About 19 percent of middle and high school students suffer eczema, or atopic dermatitis; 26 percent have atopic rhinitis (runny nose); and 8 percent atopic (allergic) asthma, according to the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs.
The ministry compiled a list of ``Frequently Asked Questions and Answers'' to help people better understand the conditions.
They are:
1. Is atopic dermatitis inherited?
Atopy means the inherited tendency to develop allergies. The three major atopic diseases are atopic rhinitis, atopic asthma and atopic dermatitis.
2. Does a ``bad environment'' cause atopic dermatitis?
Statistically, people without an allergic constitution do not get allergic diseases regardless of the environment they live in.
Making one's lifestyle environmentally friendly could be good for anyone, but it cannot be a ``solution'' to everyone. It is rather an emergency measure to prevent symptoms worsening.
3. Are steroid ointments effective?
Dermatologists often prescribe corticosteroid ointments for allergic skin problems and some people wonder whether it is okay since there are news reports highlighting side effects.
Corticosteroids are not a ``cure'', however, as long as the ointment is applied correctly, it is better than other medicines on the market. By following the directions, the ointment or lotion is safe.
4. Does proteins worsen itchiness?
The answer is no. High protein foods do not cause or worsen itchiness, but beef, pork and eggs could cause some other allergic symptoms. People should watch out whether they are allergic to these foods.
Only about 30 percent of people with allergies, especially infants, are said to be affected by food, but many of their symptoms disappear as time goes by. Restricting one's diet could trigger an even bigger problem ― malnutrition.
5. Is there a cure for asthma?
There are thousands of urban myths on treatment for asthma. However, the ministry advises people to follow doctors' directions, which have been tested on thousands of people and proven effective. In order to develop a new drug, developers report to the drug authorities with the formula, test results and research data. The authorization comes when it passes all tests. Doctors prescribe such authorized drugs only. Using unauthorized drugs or treatments is not only unsafe, but could also be considered an unauthorized medical service.
6.Can atopic dermatitis be healed?
Allergic conditions are often seen among infants, and, in many cases, the symptoms disappear naturally without special treatment. About 30 percent of patients are reported as healed within a year and the figure jumps to 50 percent after two years and 80 percent after three. No scientific findings are available to explain the statistics.
But whether or not certain treatments can heal the disease remains unclear. Many experts say treatment for allergies should be aimed at controlling the symptoms to a certain level, not healing them.