Skin

Atopic Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that results in skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. It is a widespread disease that typically manifests in childhood, though anyone can have it at any age. However, atopic dermatitis is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one individual to another. 

Extreme itching is a symptom of atopic dermatitis. Other redness, swelling, cracking, "weeping" clear fluid, crusting, and scaling are caused by scratching. Most frequently, there are times when the condition is worse, known as flares, followed by times when the skin gets better or clears up completely, known as remissions.

Symptoms of Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema makes the skin scratchy, dry, cracked and irritated. Some people have a few small spots of dry skin, but others may have extensive skin inflammation throughout their entire body. 

For lighter skin types, inflamed skin can turn red; on darker skin types, it can turn darker brown, purple, or gray. With darker skin, this may also be harder to see. 

Although atopic eczema can affect any region of the body, in children, it most frequently affects the face, scalp, backs of the knees, insides of the elbows, and hands. Atopic eczema patients experience periods when symptoms are less noticeable and when symptoms worsen (flare-ups).

Causes and risk factors of atopic dermatitis 

According to the experts, no single cause of atopic dermatitis (NIAMS) exists. They include genetic, immune-related, and environmental factors, but genetics is the most significant. 

According to MedlinePlus, this disability is linked to a lack of filaggrin protein. The skin barrier changes and loses moisture when normal quantities of this protein are absent, making the skin dry and more prone to injury and irritation.

Researchers think this inflammation starts the itching and scratching cycle, increasing the chance of bacterial infection and causing more skin damage. 

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can cause an overactive immune system, even though it is not an autoimmune disease. This may cause skin inflammation and exacerbate atopic dermatitis. 

Living in a region with a harsh climate increases the likelihood of acquiring atopic dermatitis, but there isn't enough proof to suggest that environmental factors alone will cause AD. 

How to diagnose atopic dermatitis?

Your doctor will get details about your medical history and perform a physical exam if they think you may have atopic dermatitis. They may also recommend a skin patch allergy test. 

You and your doctor can conduct this test to determine whether an allergy to something you touched is the source of your rashes. For a few days, you wear skin patches containing substances you may be allergic to. Your doctor or GP will then check whether you develop a rash around any patches two days after you remove them. 

When to see a doctor

See a medical professional if you or your child:

• Demonstrates signs of atopic dermatitis 

• It is so uncomfortable that it interferes with sleep and day-to-day activities. 

• If they have an infection, look for fresh stripes, pus, and yellow scabs. 

• Has symptoms despite attempting self-care measures. 

If you or your child gets a fever and the rash appears infectious, get medical help immediately.

What are the complications of atopic dermatitis?

Some issues that might result from eczema or atopic dermatitis include: 

1. Sleep issues: Eczema might interfere with your sleep patterns and make it difficult to fall asleep. 

2. Infected skin: Scratching frequently might expose your skin to bacteria and viruses that can infect you. 

3. Hay Fever and Asthma: In children under the age of 12, eczema is likely to result in the development of asthma or hay fever. 

4. Thick and scaly skin: Over time, scratching might cause your skin to become thicker and harder.

5. Additional types of eczema: Having one form of eczema increases your likelihood of developing another.

How to prevent atopic dermatitis?

You can take steps to maintain the health of your skin and reduce the likelihood of another flare-up after one. 

Prevent triggers. Discover the triggers for your skin issues and make an effort to stay away from them. For instance, stop using specific soaps or fabrics if they appear to be the source of skin rashes. If things like pollen, animal dander, and cigarette smoke irritate your skin, try to avoid them. 

Skin care is important. Moisturizing your skin daily is important. The best options are thick ointments or thick lotions containing little water. When you exit the shower or bath, put them on while your skin is damp.

Take shorter baths and showers. Take 10-minute showers most days, using warm water rather than hot. After bathing, towel dry your skin and apply moisturizer immediately. Use mild soaps and apply gentle soaps exclusively on your skin. 

How can you treat atopic dermatitis?

It is possible to manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis with several medicines and treatments. Corticosteroid creams and ointments help to heal your skin and decrease itching. As improper use could have negative side effects such as skin thinning or pigment loss, they should be used exactly as directed. Doctors prescribe prednisone or other oral corticosteroids if the rash is severe. Due to possible unfavorable impacts such as excessive blood sugar, glaucoma, decreased growth in children, and slower wound healing, these medications are only used temporarily. 

An FDA-approved injectable medication is now available to those with severe atopic dermatitis who have tried and failed to get relief from numerous kinds of treatment. Steroid creams are applied, followed by wet bandages, in this extensive procedure. A clinician might perform this treatment in a hospital if you are experiencing a severe flare-up.

Your doctor or GP will apply moderate UV light to your skin throughout the light therapy procedure. Long-term use of this therapy is not advised because it may raise your risk of skin cancer and early aging.