Atopic Dermatitis

Definition

The dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. It is not a contagious disease. The disease is most common in babies or very young children.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic allergic skin disorder. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy. Scratching leads to redness, swelling, cracking, "weeping" clear fluid, and finally, crusting and scaling and is usually seen on the face, elbows, knees, and arms.

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

Important Causes of Atopic Dermatitis includes:-

• Atopic dermatitis is most common in winter seasons.
• Exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or molds are the main cause of atopic dermatitis.
• Emotions such as frustration or embarrassment may lead to increased itchiness and scratching and thus cause atopic dermatitis.
• Exposure to certain foods, typically eggs, peanuts, milk, soya, or wheat products. Up to 40% of children with moderate to severe type of atopic dermatitis also suffer from some type of food allergy .
• Sudden changes in temperature can result in increased itchiness. A suddenly higher temperature may bring on sweating, which can cause itching and may inturn lead to atopic dermatitis.
• People with asthma and hayfever in themselves and in their families, may cause atopic dermatitis.
• Low humidity, may lead to atopic dermatitis.
• Chlorine in swimming pools, also cause atopic dermatitis.
• The dry skin is also one of the main cause of the atopic dermatitis. A dry skin is easily irritated by soap, detergents, and rough wool clothing. Clothes washed or dried with liquid or sheet fabric softeners such as Cling, may also irritate the skin. Hot and cold weather often aggravates eczema.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Some Possible Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis includes:-

• Small water blisters on the skin may also appear or the skin can become wet and weepy if it gets infected.
• The small raised bumps can also be seen in atopic dermatitis.
• The occurance of skin creases on the palms are due to atopic dermatitis.
• The inflammation of the skin on and around the lips may be due to atopic dermatitis.
• People with atopic dermatitis seem to be more sensitive to itching and feel the need to scratch longer in response.
• The most common symptoms are dry skin; cracks behind the ears; and rashes on the cheeks, arms, and legs.
• Atopic dermatitis may also affect the skin around the eyes, the eyelids, and the eyebrows and lashes.
• The redness of skin is the earliest symptom of atopic dermatitis.
• Develop fluid-filled sores that can ooze fluid or crust over. This can happen when the skin is rubbed or scratched or if a skin infection is present.

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Several Treatments options are availaible for the Treament of Atopic Dermatitis. Some Possible Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis includes:-

• In general, super-potent steroids are avoided in children, and intermediate or mid-potency steroids are more commonly prescribed, such as Cutivate, Dermatop, Elocon, and 0.1 percent Triamcinolone.
• Other treatments are also available for very difficult to treat cases of eczema, including using wet dressings, oral steroids, ultraviolet light therapy, and immunosuppressive drugs, like cylcosporin.
• Corticosteroid creams and ointments have been used for many years to treat atopic dermatitis.
• Antihistamines are also often used as part of a good treatment regimen for eczema. This is very beneficial for the fast recovery.
• The lukewarm baths is also a effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.
• If the eczema has failed to respond to topical treatments or is too severe for topical treatment alone, ultraviolet light may be helpful.
• The use of sedating antihistamines, will promote sleep and reduce scratching at night.