Atopic Dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects children but may also continue into adulthood.
The symptoms of eczema include red, itchy, cracked and dry skin.
It affects one in five infants but only around one in fifty adults. It is now thought to be due to “leakiness” of the skin barrier, which causes it to dry out and become prone to irritation and inflammation by many environmental factors.
Also, some people with eczema have a food sensitivity which can make eczema symptoms worse. In about half of patients with severe atopic dermatitis, the disease is due to inheritance of a faulty gene in their skin called filaggrin.
- Atopic pleat (Dennie-Morgan fold)—an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye
- Cheilitis—inflammation of the skin on and around the lips
- Hyperlinear palms—increased number of skin creases on the palms
- Hyperpigmented eyelids—eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever
- Ichthyosis—dry, rectangular scales on the skin
- Keratosis pilaris—small, rough bumps, generally on the face, upper arms, and thighs
- Lichenification—thick, leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing
- Papules—small raised bumps that may open when scratched and become crusty and infected
- Urticaria—hives (red, raised bumps) that may occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath.
Each person with atopic dermatitis experiences a unique combination of symptoms, which may vary in severity over time. The doctor will base a diagnosis on the symptoms the patient experiences and may need to see the patient several times to make an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other diseases and conditions that might cause skin irritation.
- Wool or synthetic fibers
- Soaps and detergents
- Some perfumes and cosmetics
- Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
- Dust or sand
- Cigarette smoke.
