What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Thought of as a skin allergy or sensitivity, atopic dermatitis has no specific cause. Atopic dermatitis is related to how your immune system responds to contact with germs and allergens. Genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Certain things can trigger a flare up of the condition including climate, temperature, irritants, stress and infection. Most cases of atopic dermatitis develop during the first year of life, and many resolve themselves by 18 to 24 months. Some people live with constant cycles of remission and recurrence throughout their lifetime.
What are the causes of Atopic Dermatitis?
Thought of as a skin allergy or sensitivity, atopic dermatitis has no specific cause. Atopic dermatitis is related to how your immune system responds to contact with germs and allergens. Genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Certain things can trigger a flare up of the condition including climate, temperature, irritants, stress and infection. Most cases of atopic dermatitis develop during the first year of life, and many resolve themselves by 18 to 24 months. Some people live with constant cycles of remission and recurrence throughout their lifetime.
What are the symtoms and treatments for Atopic Dermatitis?
Symptoms
With atopic dermatitis, the skin typically develops itchy patches and inflammation that leads to swelling, redness, cracking, crusting, weeping and scaling. Usually atopic dermatitis appears on the face, wrists, hands, folds of the arms and the back of the knees. The itchiness and inflammation often cause scratching which worsens the condition of the skin.
Treatments
Although no cure exists for atopic dermatitis, various therapies can help manage the symptoms. Often doctors recommend moisturizers to reduce dryness, antihistamines to reduce itching, corticosteroids to control inflammation and immune modulators to suppress the skin’s reaction. If a secondary infection develops because of cracking or scratching, your physician will prescribe a topical or oral medication to resolve the issue.
How to help prevent Atopic Dermatitis
Following these tips can help reduce symptoms and manage atopic dermatitis:
- Avoid known triggers
- Bath in lukewarm water
- Choose light-weight cotton clothing
- Frequently apply moisturizers to skin
- Keep fingernails short
- Stay cool
- Wear hand mitts while you sleep
FAQ About Atopic Dermatitis
What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
The exact cause of Atopic Dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with AD tend to have a defect in the skin barrier, which makes their skin more susceptible to irritation and infection.
Are there different types of Atopic Dermatitis?
There are different types of Atopic Dermatitis, based on the age of onset and severity of symptoms. The most common type is known as “infantile eczema” and it usually begins in infancy and improves or resolves by the age of 6. Another type is “childhood eczema” which starts between 2-6 years old, and tends to persist into adulthood.
How is Atopic Dermatitis diagnosed?
Can Atopic Dermatitis be cured?
Is there a dermatologist near me in Tacoma that offers treatment for Atopic Dermatitis?
Yes. At our Tacoma dermatology office we offer treatment for Atopic Dermatitis to patients from Tacoma and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.