atopic dermatitis
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Atopic Dermatitis
Definition
Description
- elbow creases
- backs of the knees
- ankles
- wrists
- face
- neck
- upper chest
- palms and between the fingers
Causes and symptoms

Key terms
- an itchy rash and dry, thickened skin on areas of the body where moisture can be trapped
- continual scratching
- chronic fatigue, caused when itching disrupts sleep
- hot or cold temperatures
- wool and synthetic fabrics
- detergents, fabric softeners, and chemicals
- use of drugs that suppress immune-system activity
Diagnosis
Treatment
Alternative treatment
- Taking regular brisk walks, followed by bathing in warm water sprinkled with essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis); lavender oil acts as a nerve relaxant for the whole body including the skin
- Supplementing the diet daily with zinc, fish oils, vitamin A, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis)-all good sources of nutrients for the skin
- Reducing or eliminating red meat from the diet
- Eliminating or rotating potentially allergic foods such as cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, eggs, and soy
- Implementing stress reduction techniques in daily life.
- Acupressure (acupuncture without needles) to relieve tension that may trigger a flare
- Aromatherapy, using essential oils like lavender, thyme (Thymus vulgaris), jasmine (Jasminum officinale) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) in hot water, to add a soothing fragrance to the air
- Shiatsu massage and reflexology, performed by licensed practitioners, to alleviate symptoms by restoring the body's natural balance
- Homeopathy, which may temporarily worsen symptoms before relieving them, and should be supervised by a trained alternative healthcare professional
- Hydrotherapy, which uses water, ice, liquid, and steam, to stimulate the immune system
- Juice therapy to purify the liver and relieve bowel congestion
- Yoga to induce a sense of serenity.
Prognosis
Prevention
- eliminate activities that cause sweating
- lubricate the skin frequently
- avoid wool, perfumes, fabric softeners, soaps that dry the skin, and other irritants
- avoid sudden temperature changes
- fever or relentless itching develop during a flare
- an unexplained rash develops in someone who has a personal or family history of eczema or asthma
- inflammation does not decrease after seven days of treatment with an over-the-counter preparation containing coal tar or steroids
- a yellow, tan, or brown crust or pus-filled blisters appear on top of an existing rash
- a person with active atopic dermatitis comes into contact with someone who has cold sores, genital herpes, or another viral skin disease
Resources
Organizations
a·top·ic der·ma·ti·tis
atopic dermatitis
A chronic immune-mediated dermatopathy affecting 1–3% of children, which is characterised by severe pruritus of early (usually in infancy) onset and a familial tendency; it may be associated with IgE-mediated skin reactions, allergic rhinitis and/or asthma.Aetiology
Idiopathic in children; in adults, hypersensitivity to chemicals (e.g., detergents or soaps), metals (e.g., nickel) or plants (e.g., poison ivy, poison oak).
Clinical findings
In infancy, atopic dermatitis tends to be weeping, papulovesicular (which rupture and ooze) and intensely pruritic inflammation of cheeks and inguinal region; in later childhood, it is more lichenified and is more prevalent over antecubital, popliteal and collar regions.
Exacerbating factors
Anxiety, stress, depression.
Lab
Eosinophilia.
Management
• Control pruritus (antihistamines, prevent scratching);
• Identify/avoid allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, legumes, fish);
• Anti-inflammatories (especially corticosteroids);
• Keratolytics to manage lichenification;
• Topical immunosuppressants (e.g., topical tacrolimus/FK-506 ointment).
atopic dermatitis
Atopic eczema, infantile eczema, neurodermatitis Immunology An immune-mediated dermatopathy affecting 1-3% of children, which is characterized by severe pruritus of early–usually in infancy onset, and a familial tendency; it may be associated with IgE-mediated skin reactions, allergic rhinitis and/or asthma Etiology Idiopathic in children; in adults, hypersensitivity to chemicals–eg detergents or soaps, metals–eg nickel or plants–eg poison ivy, poison oak Clinical In infancy, AD tends to be a weeping, papulovesicular—which rupture and ooze, and intensely pruritic inflammation of cheeks and inguinal region; in later childhood, it is more lichenified and is more prevalent over antecubital, popliteal, and collar regions Exacerbating factors Anxiety, stress, depression Lab Eosinophilia Management Avoid known allergens; reduce skin dryness scratching, and inflammation; antihistamines Side effect Burning sensation; the ↑ susceptibility of Pts with AD to infection may be due to a ↓ in expression of antimicrobial peptides See Endogenous antimicrobial peptide, Tacrolimus.a·top·ic der·ma·ti·tis
(ā-top'ik dĕr'mă-tī'tis)atopic dermatitis
Treatment
The patient should avoid soaps and ointments. Bathing is kept to a minimum, but bath oils may help to prevent drying of the skin. Clothing should be soft textured and should not contain wool. Fingernails should be kept short to decrease damage from scratching. Antihistamines may help reduce itching at night. Heavy exercise should be avoided because it induces perspiration. A nonlipid softening lotion followed by a corticosteroid in a propylene glycol base may effectively treat acute exacerbations; when large areas of the body are involved, oral steroids may be needed. Because of the adverse effects associated with corticosteroids, topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus that decrease T cell activity have been developed. Antistaphylococcal antibiotics may be needed to control secondary infection, introduced when scratching causes microfissures in the skin.
a·top·ic der·ma·ti·tis
(ā-top'ik dĕr'mă-tī'tis)Patient discussion about atopic dermatitis
Q. I have atopic dermatitis and its been out of control : ( i was wondering any suggestions what to do? This past year i have experienced 2 bacterial infections due to my open soars as well as a viral infection in which i was hospitalized. im so fusterated and scared i dont know what to do.. i personally dont think that creams and ointments work all that well. From what i have gathered eczema comes from the inside out? :S i also have allergies i tend to be allergic to everything environmental, animals dust, mold, as well as oral allergy syndrom to alot of foods. which is very difficult. i have been to numerous doctors and specialsist and they dont know what to do. the next step is to put me on an oral medication, sure it prevents it from coming but there are also alot of disadvantages to taking the pill. They also wanted me to go for uvb lights which are knowen to treat psriosis, which personalyy i dont feel it helps me ..realie.. eczema and psriosis are 2 totally diff skin diseases.. someone . PLEASEE HELP .. : )
it might be a while but I will come bk and let u know what they say :)
Q. My son has atopic dermatitis that is treated with topical cream. Is he in a greater risk for other diseases? My 1 year old son has atopic dermatitis. We treat him with topical cream and he is getting better. What kind of a diseases is this? Is he in a greater risk for other diseases because of his skin lesions?