|
En Espanol 
|
| Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) |
|
Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as "eczema", is a chronic skin condition that usually appears in the first few years of life.
The term "atopic" refers to inherited allergic reactions. People whose parents have allergies are often born with allergy-related antibodies (IgE) in their blood. This makes them likely to allergies right away.
Atopic dermatitis is often related to other allergic conditions. More than 50% of people with atopic dermatitis later develop asthma and 75% develop allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are intense itching, inflammation, and sensitivity of the skin. The itchiness is usually worse at night and can disrupt sleep.
The appearance and location of the rash may depend on the age of the patient. In infants, atopic dermatitis often appears as a bubbling or oozing rash on the face, hands, and feet. In older children and adults, it may appear as a red, scaly, and itchy rash on the neck, hands, feet, and creases of the elbows and knees. During severe outbreaks, the rash may appear all over the body.
People who have atopic dermatitis can easily get skin infections because the skin is often raw and open from scratching. These secondary infections, caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, can make controlling dermatitis difficult.
| The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are intense itching, inflammation, and sensitivity of the skin. The reaction on the skin as seen above is one of several possible appearances of atopic dermatitis. |
Causes
The causes of atopic dermatitis are sometimes unclear. In young children, exposure to airborne allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander) or foods (e.g., milk, eggs, and peanuts) can cause atopic dermatitis breakouts.
Emotional stress, high temperatures, and exposure to irritants also can contribute to breakouts.
Diagnosing atopic dermatitis
If you suspect you (or your child) have atopic dermatitis, visit the doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will try to determine what is causing the rash by asking about things you have been exposed to (e.g., animals, dust). The doctor may look for the characteristic scaling or bubbling, ask about the intensity of the itching, and ask about other allergies that may contribute to the dermatitis symptoms.
Allergy testing may be necessary to confirm whether the rash is caused by food or airborne allergies.
Treatment
Avoid scratching the rash if you can -- relieve the itch by using a cold compress or lubricating the skin with ointment or mild, unscented lotion.
If you have allergies, take steps to avoid the allergens that cause symptoms. If this doesn't help, topical corticosteroid creams can relieve itching and inflammation. If you get a secondary infection caused by scratching, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication.
 |
|
Reviewed By: Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma.
