Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy condition that usually affects children but could happen at any age. Atopic dermatitis is sometimes called eczema, but eczema usually applies to adults and atopic dermatitis to children. People who are afflicted with atopic dermatitis are likely to have atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. There is a genetic connection with atopic dermatitis because a family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is a clue to the diagnosis particularly of infants. The condition and appearance of the condition may differ among people with atopic dermatitis but the one symptom that all have is itching of the rash and it can be severe at times. From time to time most people have flare with red and blistered patches. Sometimes the skin may develop a bacterial infection if scratching the itch breaks the skin. Atopic dermatitis affects fifteen to twenty percent of children but only one or two percent of adults.

Atopic dermatitis is most severe between ages of two and four and then it begins to improve and by early teens may disappear. There are no cures for a chronic condition of atopic dermatitis in an adult but certain measures can be taken for relief. Avoiding substances known to irritate the skin will prevent rash. Moisturizers on the skin are also effective. Under care of a dermatologist there are other drugs and products that are beneficial. There are many over the counter products that have proved helpful to some people but the results vary.

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