Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease with a genetic background. Persistent itching, red spots, and excessive skin dryness characterize it. AD has an atypical, chronic, and recurrent course, with symptoms alternately subsiding and exacerbating. There are many treatment methods for atopic dermatitis, and one of them is leech therapy. Check out the effects of applying leeches for AD.
Atopic dermatitis – what is this disease?
In individuals with hypersensitivity, inflammatory skin conditions, known as atopic eczema (otherwise atopic dermatitis, formerly eczema), develop due to contact with sensitizing allergens. Allergens, through contact with the skin’s defensive cells and by stimulating lymphocytes, lead to the development of an allergic reaction. Skin cells also participate in inflammation, producing various substances.
Upon re-contact with the allergen, undesirable skin changes such as redness, blemishes, and even minor wounds occur. This is accompanied by excessive skin dryness and itching, causing the affected person to scratch constantly.
Causes of atopic dermatitis
Factors contributing to the development of atopic dermatitis include:
– Genetic factors – if one parent has AD, the risk of its occurrence in the child is 20-40%, and in the case of both parents being affected, it increases to 60-80%,
– Environmental factors – compounds present in the air have a detrimental effect on the human body’s defence mechanisms, making it easier for allergens to penetrate through the skin,
– Psychogenic factors – AD symptoms intensify in individuals who cannot manage their emotions and are constantly susceptible to stress,
– Climatic factors – high temperatures cause sweating, which exacerbates AD symptoms,
– Irritants – detergents, preservatives, solvents, tobacco smoke, or even mechanical skin irritation can deepen AD symptoms,
– Allergens (food and airborne) – allergens found in the fur, secretions, and epidermis of pets, dust mites, plant pollen allergens, and fungal and bacterial allergens can contribute to AD.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
Characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis that suggest this disease include a chronic and recurrent nature, skin itching, and typical localization of skin changes. Additionally, symptoms indicating AD are:
– Skin redness,
– Itching,
– Skin dryness,
– Fish scale skin,
– Inflammation of the lip redness,
– Recurrent conjunctivitis,
– Weeping wounds,
– Blisters.
AD skin changes can appear on the entire skin surface but are most often located on the inner sides of elbows and knees, as well as on the face and neck.
Atopic Dermatitis – treatment
The treatment of AD primarily involves topical glucocorticosteroids (oral only in severe cases of the disease). These medications come in the form of creams, ointments, liquids, and gels. The doctor decides on the dosing of glucocorticosteroids and the length of treatment. Typically, more vigorous preparations are used initially, gradually moving to weaker ones.
In addition to glucocorticosteroids, topical antibiotics or antifungal drugs (if a skin infection occurs) are also used for AD. First-generation antihistamines may also be helpful. In severe cases, skin irradiation with ultraviolet light and even powerful immunosuppressive drugs are used.
Skincare in AD
Treating atopic dermatitis is laborious and difficult and requires significant patient engagement. Success is based on adhering to the doctor’s recommendations and carefully performing the recommended procedures.
In AD therapy, it is primarily essential to restore the skin’s integrity by combating its excessive dryness through the application of cosmetics designed for atopic skin. Proper moisturization significantly reduces the risk of dehydration. Moreover, long baths should be avoided, and moisturizing substances added to the water. Contact with water should be limited to the absolute minimum. Large skin changes should not be scratched; damp gauze compresses should be applied instead.
Leeches for atopic dermatitis
The hirudins in leech saliva prove effective in treating inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies have been conducted on patients with AD, half of whom had a chronic course of the disease.
What were the effects of leech therapy?
Although skin changes typical for AD did not significantly decrease after leech therapy, symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, erythema, lesions, weeping, and lichenification were reduced considerably. According to patients, their quality of life significantly improved. Every patient’s condition stabilized within six years from the start of treatment.
What impact do leeches have on AD?
Leech therapy reduces the amount of inflammatory components and stimulates circulation. According to the authors of the study, the use of leeches to the anti-inflammatory action of Eglin and Bdellin contributed to improving the health of patients with AD. Applying leeches leads to the formation of granulation tissue, which stimulates the production of collagen involved in keratolysis, causing thinning of the eczema. Hyaluronidase has an antibiotic effect, thereby reducing exudation.