Atopic Dermatitis
Also called:
Eczema and Atopic Eczema
What is it?
Dermatitis is an inflammation of
the skin that may cause dryness, flaking, and itching. Atopic
means this type of dermatitis is related to or caused by a
hereditary predisposition toward certain hypersensitivity
reactions, such as asthma or hay fever, when exposed to
specific triggers called antigens.
Who gets it?
Atopic dermatitis can occur in both children and
adults, and sometimes first appears during infancy. Atopic
dermatitis often affects people with a family history of
allergies.
What causes it?
Atopic dermatitis is linked with asthma and hay fever.
These conditions often run together in a family.
What are the symptoms?
Atopic dermatitis leads to itching and redness, and may
make the skin dry and flaky. Sometimes itchy blisters
form. The surface of the skin may become moist and crusty
if these blisters burst, or when scratching damages the
skin. Atopic dermatitis is often worse in the folds of the
skin where the limbs bend. The itch is intense, but
scratching only makes the symptoms worse. Dermatitis makes
the skin more sensitive, so you may notice that you are
more irritated by cosmetics, soaps, detergents, etc.
Atopic dermatitis in infants is most commonly seen on the
face, scalp, and diaper area. It can also appear on the
limbs and feet.
How is it diagnosed?
Atopic dermatitis is usually diagnosed through a
physical examination. If in doubt, or your doctor feels
that you need further tests, you may be referred to a skin
specialist, called a dermatologist. Further tests may
include skin biopsy, in which a small sample of the
inflamed skin is removed for testing, or patch tests, in
which little patches of different substances are stuck to
your skin for a few days to see if you react to any of
them.
What is the treatment?
There is essentially no cure for atopic dermatitis
because it involves a sensitivity of the skin that will
always remain to some degree. There are, however, a number
of approaches that help to minimize symptoms. The primary
treatment is to keep the skin moisturized using creams,
ointments, and shower and bath oils that help to replenish
the skin's natural protective oils. Your doctor may also
prescribe a cream or ointment containing a steroid. These
are very effective at reducing inflammation and itch. Your
doctor will want you to use this sparingly, and only while
the dermatitis is at its worst. There are different
strengths of steroid applications, and the tendency is to
use the lowest strength that the skin requires at the time
in order to minimize the risk of possible side effects.
Oral antihistamines may also be helpful in reducing the
itch. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the skin
becomes infected, which it is more likely to occur when
the skin’s normal protective surface has been damaged. If
your skin does not improve, additional treatments might
include bandages and wet wraps, and drugs to suppress the
immune system. Phototherapy, which is ultraviolet light
treatment (UVB and PUVA), can also be used to treat atopic
dermatitis.
Self-care tips
If you have atopic dermatitis, follow your doctor's
treatment recommendations and avoid known irritants.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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