What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition which usually begins in infancy or childhood. It causes skin to be itchy and inflamed and tends to be chronic or recurrent in nature. Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema. It usually occurs in people who have an 'atopic tendency'. This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic dermatitis, asthma and seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis.
What Are the Symptoms?
Dry, itchy skin-you can have patchy scales or bumps. Skin can also become thick and leathery from constant irritation and scratching.
Usually occur on the cheeks, diaper area, hands, feet, and behind the knees, and inside elbows. Sometimes the skin around the eyes can be affected as well.
Chronic or repeatedly occurring symptoms
Redness and irritation around the lips
Increased number of creases on the palms
Eyelids are darker in color
How long does it last and is it contagious?
Atopic dermatitis may start early in infancy, by around 6 wks of age, commonly affecting the face, arms or legs. The condition may improve by 18 months. Children who have atopic dermatitis or eczema may improve by the age of 5 or 6; but others may experience flare-ups throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Also eczema is not contagious, so there's no need to keep the affected child away from others.
What is the cause? Can it be prevented?
The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. So there's no way to prevent the condition.
However, flare-ups can be prevented or improved by avoiding possible triggers such as:
Pollen, mold, dust and animal dander
Dry winter air with little moisture
Certain harsh soaps and detergents
Certain fabrics (such as wool or coarsely woven materials)
Dust or sand
Chlorine, mineral oil, solvents
Certain skin care products, perfumes, and colognes (particularly those that contain alcohol)
Tobacco smoke
Some foods like eggs, milk, wheat, soy protein and peanut
Emotional stress
Excessive heat
How is it treated?
Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or other steroid creams or ointmen, are commonlu used. Other prescription treatments, your child's doctor may recommend include:
Antihistamines (to help to control itching)
Oral or topical antibiotics (to prevent or treat secondary infections)
Newer medications that change the way the skin's immune system reacts (such as tacrolimus) are non-steroid topical medications that also help treat eczema if steroids fail. Ask your doctor to choose the right medication for you or your child.
Sometimes ultraviolet light under the supervision of a dermatologist can help clear up the condition
What else can I do to prevent flare-ups?
You can help prevent or treat your eczema by keeping the skin from becoming dry or itchy and avoiding known triggers that cause flare-ups. It may help to follow these suggestions:
Avoid taking frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin. Air dry skin, and avoid rubbing the skin; Lubricate immediately following a lukewarm bath.
Moisturize the skin daily with an unscented moisturizer. Vaseline jelly or Eucerin cream are recommended
Use mild, unscented soaps (such as unscented Dove) or nonsoap cleansers
For young children, Try to prevent the child from scratching or irritating the skin, keep nails filed short.
Keep cool, avoid overheating.
Protect your hands by wearing gloves when outdoors during the winter, doing the dishes, or during any activity that results in skin irritation.
Ask the doctor if it's OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control the itching.
Avoid dressing in harsh or irritating clothing, such as wool or coarsely woven materials. Cotton materials are best.
Eliminate any known allergens such as certain foods, dust, or pet dander from your household.
Apply cool compresses (such as a wet, cool washcloth) on the irritated areas of your skin to ease itching.
For Children:
Keep your child's fingernails short to minimize any skin damage caused by scratching.
Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
Help your child avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
For Preteens/ teens:
Establish a skin care routine. Brief, lukewarm showers or baths and moisturizing regularly will help to avoid or alleviate flare-ups.
Use only hypoallergenic makeup and sunscreens and facial moisturizers labeled noncomedogenic since they do not plug the pores of the skin and try to use oil free make-up.
Recognize stressful situations and how to manage them
When should you call your child's doctor?
Children and teens with eczema are prone to skin infections, that are often caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Call your child's doctor immediately if you notice any of the early signs of skin infection, which may include:
fever
redness and warmth on or around affected areas
pus-filled bumps on or around affected areas
areas on the skin that look like cold sores or fever blisters
Even though eczema can certainly be bothersome for kids and parents alike, taking some preventative precautions and following the doctor's orders can help to keep your child's eczema under control.
References:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/
Copyright 2007 MD Kiosk
