Atopic dermatitis also known as atopic eczema or allergic eczema is a long-term type of inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) that causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated, making it extremely itchy. Sometimes the skin improves or clears up entirely called remissions.
Areas where it could affect include the skin around the eyes, eyelids, eyebrows and lashes, face (more common in babies), around the fingers.
CAUSES
The cause is unknown but believed to involve genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, and difficulties with the permeability of the skin.
Dry skin
Stress
Infection
Genetics
Many people with atopic dermatitis have a family history of atopy. Atopy is an immediate-onset allergic reaction (type 1 hypersensitivity reaction) that manifests as asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, or hay fever.
Hygiene hypothesis
When a child is exposed to certain micro-organisms at a very early stage (such as gut flora and helminth parasites), it protects against allergic diseases by contributing to the development of the immune system. Those exposed to dogs while growing up have a lower risk of atopic dermatitis. Also, children with poor hygiene are at a lower risk for developing it, as to children who drink unpasteurized milk.
Allergens:
Exposure to some allergens, either from food or the environment, can exacerbate existing atopic dermatitis.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
It is very common worldwide and is increasing in prevalence. It affects males and females equally and accounts for 10-20% of all referrals to dermatologists. It occurs more in infants and children and its onset decreasing substantially with age. Of these affected, 65% of patients develop symptoms in the first year of life and 90% develop symptoms before the age of 5. Onset after age 30 is uncommon and often occurs after skin exposure to high conditions.
SYMPTOMS
Itching most especially at night or after having your bath.
Dry skin
Flaky skin
Swollen skin from scratching
Red to brownish-gray patches which can be seen on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face, fingers, and scalp.
It is important to know that these symptoms vary with individuals.
MANAGEMENT:
Currently, Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured but can be managed through the following ways;
Pharmacological action:
Use of a good moisturizer to always keep the body moist e.g. petrolatum
Topical steroids which are used in combination with moisturizers e.g. triamcinolone, hydrocortisone.
Broad immunomodulators e.g. Tacrolimus
Use of probiotics such as unsweetened yoghurt (which contains lactobacilli), cranberry juice
Use of antibiotics for infections associated with S. aureus or flares because of the condition.
Non-pharmacological action
Avoid clothing which are thick such as clothes made from wool but instead wear soft clothing like cotton.
Avoid always keeping the skin dry
Avoid foods which could trigger the condition
Wash clothes in a mild detergent, with no bleach or fabric softener
Use mild soap when bathing and avoid soaps which act as astringents.
Avoid using very hot water to bath, instead use warm water and limit the time you spend in the bathroom (not more 10 minutes).
Dry your skin properly with a soft towel after having your bath.
Moisturize skin at least twice a day with moisturizers such as creams, lotions and lotions though depending on what your body is comfortable with.
REFERENCE
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - Symptoms and causes -
Atopic Dermatitis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049085-overview
Berke R., Singh A., Guralnick M., (July 2012). "Atopic dermatitis: an overview” (PDF) American Family Physician
" Handout on Health: Atopic Dermatitis (A type of eczema)"National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2013. Archived from the original on 30th May,2015. Retrieved 19th June 2015.
Huang JT, Abrams M, Tlougan B, Rademaker A, Paller AS. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity. Pediatrics. 2009 May. 123(5): e808-14. [Medline].
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