Specialists in Atopic Dermatitis to Address Psychological Impact and Treatment Options in Latin America
By: Maria Camila Sanchez
February 23, 2024
This Saturday, the Patient Support Alliance with Atopic Dermatitis together with the Revista Medicina y Salud Pública, will lead the Second International Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis in Puerto Rico, which will bring together prominent national and international specialists to address the management of this condition from different areas of medicine.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis and Detection of Allergens
Dr. José González Chávez, dermatologist, pioneer professor in clinical drug research, will give an interesting talk regarding the pharmacological treatment alternatives that have been implemented in recent years, and that are now available for patients of atopic dermatitis.
There are many factors that can activate or exacerbate outbreaks of atopic dermatitis in patients, such as stress, climate, environmental pollution, cleaning products, among others. For this reason, Dr. Vylma Vázquez, allergist immunologist, will delve into the main environmental triggers of this disease in patients, and will provide a series of recommendations to reduce exposure in the environment.
Psychological Impact of Atopic Dermatitis
This being a skin condition, atopic dermatitis can have a strong impact on people’s health, whether in terms of self-esteem, self-acceptance, and so on. For this reason, Dr. Isabel Hernández, clinical psychologist, will give a talk about the challenges that patients with this condition face on a psychological level, as well as strategies for emotional strengthening.
In addition, Dr. Joanie Morales, sex therapist, will also address the impact that this disease has on self-image, physical symptoms on intimacy, and how you can minimize this impact.
Recommended Diet and Exercise for Atopic Dermatitis
Although it is true that atopic dermatitis is not a food allergy, it is important to maintain a healthy diet to improve its symptoms. Dr. Rosaly Cartagena, president of the College of Nutritionists and Dietitians of Puerto Rico, will be in charge of explaining to attendees the influence that diet has on the skin microbiome and, therefore, on the development of outbreaks of atopic dermatitis.
Likewise, it will recommend some foods that can help improve the symptoms of the disease and reduce its recurrence.
On the other hand, Jahdiel Rosado, a certified personal trainer, will talk about the importance of integrating an exercise routine into the daily care of this disease. Regular exercise is beneficial for general health, including the skin. However, it is necessary to follow a series of recommendations, such as the appropriate type of clothing, to avoid discomfort and skin irritation.
International Speakers
From Argentina, Lcda. Laura Resnichenco, psychologist, patient of atopic dermatitis and vice president of the Association of Atopic Dermatitis Argentina will tell her story with the diagnosis, and the work carried out by ADAR to raise awareness and educate the Argentine population about this condition, and the support they provide to patients in that country.
Likewise, from Chile, Francisco Tapia Besnier, Founder of the PADECE Foundation, will also describe the impact that this organization has had on behalf of patients with skin diseases in Chile and share the reality that patients of skin diseases face with atopic dermatitis in that country.
Finally, from Costa Rica, Dr. Ileana Alfaro, dermatologist and President of the Amor en la Piel Association, will share with attendees the most relevant and updated information regarding the diagnostic criteria, management, control, and treatment of this disease.
To attend in person, you can register for free by sending a text message via WhatsApp to the number +1 787-312-0029. You can also follow the live broadcast through the social networks of MSP Magazine, and the Patient Support Alliance of Atopic Dermatitis (AAPDA) from 8 AM.