Atopic Dermatitis - Information on Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis Information

Atopic Dermatitis is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Atopic Dermatitis may occur to the people at any age. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs in people who have an 'atopic tendency'. This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected. A family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is particularly useful in diagnosing atopic dermatitis in infants. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is often referred to as "eczema," which is a general term for the several types of inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Several have very similar symptoms.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

The most common symptoms are dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet.The severity of symptoms depends on how large an area of skin is affected, how much you scratch the rash, and whether a secondary infection develops. Mild atopic dermatitis usually involves a small area of skin that does not itch much and goes away with adequate moisturizing.

Skin Features of Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic pleat (Dennie-Morgan fold): an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye

• Cheilitis: inflammation of the skin on and around the lips

• Hyperlinear palms: increased number of skin creases on the palms

• Hyperpigmented eyelids: eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever

• Ichthyosis: dry, rectangular scales on the skin

• Keratosis pilaris: small, rough bumps, generally on the face, upper arms, and thighs

• Lichenification: thick, leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing

• Papules: small raised bumps that may open when scratched and become crusty and infected

• Urticaria: hives (red, raised bumps) that may occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

The cause of the Atopic Dermatitis is unknown. The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. In the past, doctors thought that atopic dermatitis was caused by an emotional disorder. We now know that emotional factors, such as stress, can make the condition worse, but they do not cause the disease.

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Treatment of atopic dermatitis may be required for many months and possibly years.

It nearly always requires:

• Reduction of exposure to trigger factors (where possible)
• Regular emollients (moisturisers)
• Intermittent topical steroids

In some cases management may also include one of more of the following:

• Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment
• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Phototherapy
• Oral corticosteroids
• ciclosporin
• Azathioprine