Dermatitis, atopic

Atopic Dermatitis
Synonyms	Atopic eczema
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Itchy skin, redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, scaling
Complications	Skin infections, sleep disturbances, psychological stress
Onset	Usually in childhood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic and environmental factors
Risks	Family history, allergies, asthma
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Moisturizers, steroid creams, antihistamines, immunosuppressants
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Affects 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults
Deaths	N/A

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy skin, redness, and swelling. It is a common condition that often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, which can be severe, leading to scratching and further skin damage. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling of the skin. The condition often affects the face, neck, elbows, knees, and ankles.

Causes

Atopic dermatitis is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Environmental triggers such as irritants, allergens, and stress can exacerbate symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is primarily based on clinical evaluation of the skin. A medical history and physical examination are conducted to identify characteristic symptoms and rule out other skin conditions. In some cases, allergy testing may be performed to identify potential triggers.

Treatment

Management of atopic dermatitis involves a combination of skincare routines and medications. Regular use of moisturizers helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function. Topical steroid creams are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching. In more severe cases, antihistamines and immunosuppressants may be used to control symptoms.

Complications

Complications of atopic dermatitis include skin infections due to scratching and barrier disruption, as well as sleep disturbances and psychological stress due to chronic itching and appearance concerns.

Epidemiology

Atopic dermatitis affects approximately 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults worldwide. The condition is more prevalent in developed countries and often occurs in individuals with a family history of atopic diseases.

See Also

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis

External Links

• [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org)
• [National Eczema Association](https://nationaleczema.org)