ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)
Atopic Dermatitis is a very common chronic, relapsing skin condition characterized by an itch that eventually develops into a rash due to rubbing and scratching. Chronic rubbing and scratching may also lead to thickening of the skin. It usually starts within the first year of life and some patients do grow out of it eventually. Atopic dermatitis is usually associated with a family history of asthma and rhinitis (runny nose). In fact, 35% of infants with atopic dermatitis will develop asthma later in life. It can affect the face, trunk and extremities. Patients with atopic dermatitis are more prone to skin bacterial and viral infections than others.
Removing triggers will certainly help with atopic dermatitis. Reducing contact with water, like long baths, and avoiding frequent hand washing will help. Avoiding bleaching agents in cloth, fabric softeners and switching to ALL-Free detergent will help.
Moisturizing is one of the most important tasks that one can do. There are many modalities of treating atopic dermatitis, most commonly topical steroids and topical immunomodulators like Protopic or Elidel. Every atopic dermatitis patient is unique, so a customized treatment plan by a dermatologist is necessary to keep it under control.
Atopic Dermatitis research article published by Dr. Behnam:
Feldman SR, Behnam SM, Behnam SE, Koo JY. Quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), 2005, July, Volume 53(Supplement 1), S78-85.
