DERMATITIS, ATOPIC

(Eczema)

 Basic information

description

Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin disorder. Dermatitis means skin inflammation (redness and soreness). Atopic refers to an allergic condition. Atopic dermatitis often affects infants and children, but can occur in all age groups. It affects males and females equally. It cannot be passed from one person to another.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Itchy, dry skin. Scaling, redness, swelling, weeping, cracking, and crusting of the skin may occur. It often affects the skin creases of elbows, knees, neck, face, hands, feet, groin, genitals, and around the anus. It may also affect the skin around the eyes.
• Itching is worse during sleep.
• An itch-scratch cycle develops. The itch causes a person to scratch, which in turn worsens the itch.
• An infant may be irritable and restless.

causes

Unknown. It may be a combination of genetic (hereditary) factors and environmental factors.

risk increases with

• Hay fever or asthma or food allergy.
• Family history of atopic dermatitis or other allergic disorders .
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• People living in dry climates.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• No preventive measures for the original outbreak.
• Identify and then avoid the factors that may trigger an outbreak in an individual. These can include:
  • Emotional factors (stress and anger).
  • Irritants (wool, perfumes, fabric softeners, smoke, some soaps, etc.).
  • Allergens (substances that inflame the skin) such as pollen, or cat and dog dander.
  • Temperature or climate.
  • Skin infections.

expected outcomes

The disorder can come and go throughout life. Symptoms may decrease with age. Treatment and self-care will help relieve symptoms in most people.

possible complications

• Skin infections.
• Skin may become thick and leathery or scarred from scratching.
• Anxiety and depression due to a chronic disorder.
• Eye problems (blepharitis, cataracts, conjunctivitis).
• Herpes simplex infections are more severe in people with atopic dermatitis.
• Skin changes due to prolonged steroid use.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will perform a skin exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. There is no test to diagnose atopic dermatitis. Skin tests may be done to rule out other skin problems.
• Treatment steps involve healing the skin, preventing flare-ups, and treating symptoms when they occur.
• Moisturize the skin often and always after bathing. Ointments (e.g., petroleum jelly), oils, or creams are best. Avoid products with alcohol (e.g., cetyl alcohol).
• Bathe in cool to warm water (not hot) with products other than soap. Use cool-water soaks for crusting, oozing skin. These decrease itching and remove crusts.
• Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing. Avoid fabric softeners and anti-static laundry products.
• Use a humidfier to add moisture to your home.
• Reduce any emotional problems in your life, if possible. The itching often increases during stressful periods.
• To learn more: National Eczema Association, 4460 Redwood Hwy, Suite 16-D, San Rapheal, CA 94903; (800) 818-7546; website: www.nationaleczema.org.

medications

• To relieve minor itching, use nonprescription topical steroids or coal-tar preparations.
• You may be prescribed stronger topical steroids, oral or injected steroid drugs (for short periods only), antihistamines, antibiotics for infections, drugs to suppress the immune system, or other, newer drugs.
• A treatment called PUVA may be helpful. It combines a special light used with a cream applied to the skin.

activity

No limits. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot climate.

diet

If food allergy is suspected, ask your health care provider if a diet change will help.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
• Skin symptoms worsen or signs of infection occur.

Special Notes: