Atopic Dermatitis Overview

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopy = a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions,

such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age.

 Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever

§  Inflammation of the skin

§  Several types of dermatitis

§  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common

§  AD used interchangeably with eczema

Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood. For some people,

 it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

Types of Dermatitis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis	Poison ivy
Atopic Dermatitis	Chronic itchy inflamed skin
Contact Dermatitis	Localized reaction i.e. to a chemical
Dyshidrotic Eczema	Blisters that itch and burn on the palms of hands and soles of feet
Neurodermatitis	Patches of skin caused by localized itch i.e. mosquito
Nummular Eczema	Coin-shaped patches in arms, back, buttocks and lower legs – itchy
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis	Yellowish, scaly patches over parts of the body
Stasis Dermatitis	Skin irritation in legs due to circulatory problems

Atopic Dermatitis Causes

•      Dry skin

•      Itching, which may be severe, especially at night

•      Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp

•      Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched

•      Thickened, cracked, scaly skin

•      Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

•      Complex multi-factorial condition for which no precise cause has been determined

•      Heightened risk of atopic dermatitis in people with hereditary disposition to allergies

•      The presence of a fragile cutaneous barrier has been demonstrated

•      AD sufferers have a low level of one cytokine that is essential to the immune system and a high level of other cytokines that lead to allergic reactions

•      The immune system can become misguided and create inflammation in the skin

•      Main component of atopic dermatitis = pruritus

Atopic Dermatitis Overview

Infants

•      begins at around 3 months

•      intense pruritus

•      affects face and convex areas of the limbs

•      oozing, crusty lesions

Children

•      skin folds: elbows, knees and neck

•      stronghold areas:  hands, wrists, ankles

•      painful cracks may appear in the skin

•      more frequent flare-ups in autumn-winter

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

•      Hydrate the skin

•      Eliminate inflammation and infection

•      Avoid exacerbating factors

•      Moisturize your skin at least twice a day.

•      Try to identify and avoid triggers that worsen the condition. foods, including eggs, milk, soy and wheat.

•      Talk with your child's doctor about identifying potential food allergies.

•      Use only gentle soaps. Choose mild soaps. Deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove more natural oils and dry your skin.

•      Dry yourself carefully. After bathing gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.