Atopic dermatitis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Atopic dermatitis is an atopic, hereditary, and non-contagious skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin.
Historical Perspective
Since the twentieth century, many mucosal inflammatory disorders have become dramatically more common; atopic eczema (AE) is a classic example of such a disease.
Causes
Although it is an inherited disease, Eczema is primarily aggravated by contact with or intake of allergens. It can also be influenced by other "hidden" factors such as stress or fatigue. Atopic Eczema consists of chronic inflammation; it occurs in people with a history of allergy disorders such as asthma or hay fever.
Epidemiology and Demographics
It now affects 10-20% of children and 1-3% of adults in industrialized countries, and its prevalence there has more than doubled in the past thirty years.[1]
Diagnosis
Other Diagnostic Studies
An allergy skin-patch or "scratch" test, given by an allergist, can often pinpoint the triggers of allergic reactions. Once the causes of the allergic reactions are discovered, the allergens should be eliminated from the diet, lifestyle, and/or environment. If the eczema is severe, it may take some time (days to weeks depending on the severity) for the body's immune system to begin to settle down after the irritants are withdrawn.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The primary treatment involves prevention, which includes avoiding or minimizing contact with (or intake of) known allergens. Once that has been established, topical treatments can be used. Topical treatments focus on reducing both the dryness and inflammation of the skin.
Primary Prevention
Although there is no cure for atopic eczema, treatment should mainly involve discovering the triggers of allergic reactions and learning to prevent them.
References
- ↑ Saito, Hirohisa. Much Atopy about the Skin: Genome-Wide Molecular Analysis of Atopic Eczema. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 2005;137:319-325.