| |
| General Info about Atopic Dermatitis |
The word "atopic" describes a group of allergic or associated diseases that often affect several members of a family. These families may not only have allergies such as hay fever and asthma but also show skin eruptions called atopic dermatitis. The word eczema is used to describe all kinds of red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, thickened and itching skin conditions.
Infantile eczema or neurodermatitis, is a skin disorder caused due to hypersensitivity (allergy - related) reactions occurring within the skin. It is characterized by inflammation, itching and scaling of the skin.
|
|
 What are the causes of Atopic Dermatitis ? |
Atopic dermatitis can affect children (infantile) or adults. It is most common in infants and most of them are cured from this condition. There is often a family history of asthma, hay fever, eczema, psoriasis, or other allergy-related disorders. In adults, it is generally a chronic or recurring condition.
Neurodermatitis is a form of Atopic dermatitis characterized by a self-perpetuating scratch-itch cycle. Although symptoms increase in times of stress, physiological changes in the nerve fibers are also present.
A hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Chronic irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery-textured, although this is more pronounced in the localized form, lichen simplex chronicus.
Exposure to environmental irritants can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes and stress.
|
|
| How can we diagnose Atopic Dermatitis ? |
 A thorough physical examination of the lesions and laboratory examination of the biopsied lesions are generally conducted.
Allergy test may be carried out to find the cause as any food or inhalant allergen.
Laboratory cultures are also done to see whether any bacterial or fungal infections are there.
|
|
| How can Atopic Dermatitis be treated ? |
Treatment may vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions. Acute weeping lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry thickened lesions are treated differently.
Infantile eczema usually becomes milder with age and often disappears after age 3 or 4. Atopic dermatitis usually responds to home treatment. Anything that aggravates the symptoms should be avoided. For some patients certain food items, environmental factors like change in weather and usage of wool and lanolin can increase the problem. Dry skin often makes the condition worse, so bathing and the use of soaps may be reduced. Temperature changes and stress may cause sweating and changes in the blood vessels of the skin. These aggravate the condition.
If avoidance of irritants does not reduce symptoms, treatment applied to a localized area of the skin (topical) may be indicated. Topical treatment of weeping lesions may include soothing lotions, mild soaps, or wet dressings.
Preventive measures :
No known prevention. The condition tends to run in families. Control of stress and emotional conditions like nervousness, anxiety, depression, etc. can be useful in preventing some cases.
|
|
| Frequently asked questions about Atopic Dermatitis... |
Which doctor should I consult if I have atopic dermatitis?
You have to consult a dermatologist for your problem.
This condition is said to be associated with allergies, can certain foods be the cause?
Yes. Some foods may provoke attacks, especially in infants and young children. But eliminating them rarely will bring a cure, though foods such as cow's milk, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts and other foods that are suggested by your dermatologist can be avoided at least for one to two weeks on a trial basis. |
|
| Glossary |
Psoriasis - It is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin.
Crusting - Formation of dried blood or tissue fluids as scales on the skin surface.
|
|
|
