Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which affects 15 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. The condition causes red, itchy, inflamed patches of skin, most commonly on the face (especially around the eyes), neck, elbow creases, knees and ankles. Atopic dermatitis is persistent in nature and if left untreated can lead to a cycle of flare-ups and remissions.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are very similar to those you would find in an allergic reaction, however for those suffering from atopic dermatitis there is no allergen present. Instead it is thought that the severity of this condition is linked to a combination of genetics, environmental conditions and immune system responses.
Atopic Dermatitis triggers
There are many factors that can trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups. These triggers can be different for everyone, but some common ones include:
* exposure to harsh soaps/detergents
* stress/anxiety
* temperature changes/sweating
* allergic reactions (e.g latex or nickel)
* dry skin
Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease. This is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. It most commonly begins in early childhood with changing patterns and severity over time. The most common locations for atopic dermatitis are the creases of the elbows or behind the knees. However, it may occur anywhere on the body.
Atopic dermatitis is more than just a skin condition; it can affect your quality of life and that of your family. Besides the physical symptoms, many individuals also experience depression, low self-esteem and sleep disturbances as a result of their disease. It can be very disruptive to daily activities and even interfere with school and work performance. Sometimes the itch from atopic dermatitis can be so intense that it disrupts sleep patterns, causing irritability and fatigue.
The goal of treatment for atopic dermatitis is to reduce itching, decrease inflammation and prevent new flare-ups. Even though there is currently no cure for this condition, it can be managed successfully with proper treatment.
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that affects about 10% of people at some point in their lives. The disease usually appears early in life. Atopic dermatitis is more common in people who have a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever and asthma.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. The most common areas for atopic dermatitis to appear are on the cheeks, arms and behind the knees. Atopic dermatitis affects about 15 million Americans and approximately 20% of children have atopic dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic skin disorder. The word “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin. The term “atopic” derives from the tendency of affected people to develop other atopic (allergy-related) conditions such as asthma and hay fever.
The prevalence of eczema in Australia is estimated to be around 20%. Eczema affects males and females equally, with a peak onset between 3 months and 6 years.
Atopic dermatitis usually presents before 2 years of age. It can be associated with other atopic conditions such as food allergy, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma. There are two peaks in the incidence of AD: first at 6 months to 1 year, and then again during puberty.
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Although it is most common in infants and children, atopic dermatitis can affect people of all ages. It’s also common for patients to have other allergies, such as hay fever or asthma.
Why Do People Get Atopic Dermatitis?
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Scientists believe that genetics play a major role in the development of the disease. There are specific genes called the filaggrin gene that significantly increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis when they are mutated or missing altogether. Other factors such as environmental conditions and immune system issues can also contribute to the development of this disorder.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically starts in infancy, childhood or adolescence. AD can affect any age group, but most commonly begins in the first six months of life.
The cause of AD is not well understood, although it occurs more frequently in people with a family history of eczema, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). It is believed that AD tends to run in families who have “atopic diathesis,” an inherited tendency to develop these conditions.
The rash associated with AD is characterized by areas of intensely pruritic (itchy), red, thickened skin that may become scaly and ooze and crust if scratched. The rash occurs more frequently on the face, scalp and extensor surfaces (fronts of the knees and elbows) but can occur anywhere on the body.
We recommend following the “20-minute rule”. You should moisturise after a bath or shower, while your skin is still damp. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent itching or flaking.
To promote healing of the skin barrier, it is important to use an emollient that contains ceramides. Look for products with ceramides 1, 3 and 6 for optimal results. Ceramides are naturally found in the outer layer of our skin and play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated, moisturised, and healthy.