A Simple Guide to Atopic Dermatitis
----------------------------------------
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
-------------------------------------
Atopic Dermatitis is a common skin condition which presents as a chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood.
Atopic Dermatitis clears and often disappears with age.
What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
-------------------------------------
The causes of Atopic Dermatitis is unknown.
However some possible causes are:
1.Genetic
Genes play a part in Atopic Dermatitis as the condition runs in families
2.External causes
a.abnormal response of the body’s immune system play a part in the development of Atopic Dermatitis.
b.damage to the skin barrier may lead to dryness and inflammation of the skin
c.irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching.
Atopic Dermatitis is not contagious .
Who is at risk of Atopic Dermatitis?
------------------------------------------
Atopic Dermatitis occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.
1.Those who are genetically predisposed
2.Those exposed to environmental triggers
a.rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness.
b.feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak.
c.certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants,
d.contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats,
e.food allergens in childhood such as cow's milk, hen's egg,peanuts, nuts, shellfish
f.dust mites,
g.animal saliva and faeces may trigger itching.
h.Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.
i.Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.
Many people who have Atopic Dermatitis also suffer from Atopic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
Atopic Dermatitis affects both sexes equally.
Where does Atopic Dermatitis appear?
------------------------------------------
Atopic Dermatitis can occur on just about any part of the body
In infants, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
In children and adults, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
In some people, Atopic Dermatitis may "bubble up" and ooze.
In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.
Chronic scratching usually make the skin worse taking on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What are the symptoms and signs of Atopic Dermatitis?
-----------------------------------------------------------
Typical features of Atopic Dermatitis are:
1.dry,
2.red,
3.extremely itchy patches on the skin.
4.Oozing of the rash
5.Thickening of the skin
How is Atopic Dermatitis diagnosed?
-------------------------------------------
1.History and appearance of the rash
2.Screening test for food allergy
3.Blood test for specific antibodies to food substances
How can Atopic Dermatitis be treated?
------------------------------------------
Treatment of an Atopic Dermatitis treatment routine is:
1. prevent scratching.
2. application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible after bathing (within three minutes is a common recommendation) so that the moisture from the bath is "locked in."
3.Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
4.application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation
if the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily.
Hydrocortisone cream and ointment are preferred to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.
5.For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).
6.topical or oral antibiotics may be needed for the skin infection which may affect the dry inflamed skin.
7.sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch
8.Tar treatments can have positive effects; however, tar can be messy.
9.Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).
10.cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response; however, this is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.
How can Atopic Dermatitis be prevented?
---------------------------------------------
Atopic Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions.
The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:
Moisturize frequently
Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid sweating or overheating
Dress the child in breathable cotton clothes
Reduce stress
Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)
Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods
Showing posts with label atopic eczema. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atopic eczema. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thursday, August 30, 2007
A Simple Guide to Eczema
A Simple Guide to Eczema
-------------------------------
What is Eczema?
--------------------
Eczema is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin with signs of redness, itch and swelling.
One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic eczema which affects 10-20% of the world population. It occurs at some point during childhood.
Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
What causes Eczema?
--------------------------
There is no known cause for the disease.
It often affects people with a family history of allergies.
Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
Those who are genetically predisposed may deverlop eczema when exposed to environmental and food triggers:
milk,egg white,nuts, shellfish
dust, chemicals,detergents,flowers,pollens,dyes in clothes,cosmetics
Who gets eczema?
----------------------
Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.
Is Eczema contagious?
---------------------------
Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.
For most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
How common is eczema?
------------------------------
The condition is quite common.
About10-20% of all infants have eczema.
In nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age.
Others will have some form of the disease throughout their lives.
Where does Eczema appear?
-----------------------------------
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body.
In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
In some people, eczema may form bubbles which breaks and ooze.
In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.
Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What are the symptoms and signs of eczema?
-----------------------------------------------------
Typically there are dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin.
Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
What makes patients with eczema itch?
-----------------------------------------------
The triggers that causes a flare up of the eczema causes irritation to the skin.
When the skin becomes irritated, histamines are released into the skin causing the redness and itchiness.
For some, rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and sweating will cause an outbreak.
Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal furs may trigger itching.
Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.
Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up,a condition called neurodematitis.
How can eczema be prevented?
-------------------------------------
Eczema outbreaks can usually be prevented with some simple precautions:
1.Moisturize frequently
2.Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
3.Avoid sweating or overheating
4.Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal furs)
7.Be aware of any foods that may trigger an attack and avoid those foods
8.Reduce stress
How can eczema be treated?
----------------------------------
The most important part of an eczema treatment routine is to avoid scratching because that will irritate the skin even more.
The most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. These treatments are generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so that the moisture from the bath is remains in the skin.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Another effective treatment is the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.
For severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).
Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. A course of topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For severe itching, sedative and non-sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch.
For day time activities as well as driving, non sedative antihistamine should be used.
Because drowsiness is a common side effect, sedative antihistamines are often used in the evening to help a person restless from eczema get to sleep.
Tar treatments and phototherapy are also used and can have positive effects. Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).
Finally, in cases where eczema is resistant to therapy, your physician may prescribe the drug cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response.
This is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.
What can be done for children with eczema?
----------------------------------------------------
Children are special because it is difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema.
For mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages.
In the meantime, avoid as many eczema triggers as possible.
Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer to retain the moisture in the skin.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Keep your child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites.
Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing.
Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, clothing.
-------------------------------
What is Eczema?
--------------------
Eczema is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin with signs of redness, itch and swelling.
One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic eczema which affects 10-20% of the world population. It occurs at some point during childhood.
Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
What causes Eczema?
--------------------------
There is no known cause for the disease.
It often affects people with a family history of allergies.
Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.
Those who are genetically predisposed may deverlop eczema when exposed to environmental and food triggers:
milk,egg white,nuts, shellfish
dust, chemicals,detergents,flowers,pollens,dyes in clothes,cosmetics
Who gets eczema?
----------------------
Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.
Is Eczema contagious?
---------------------------
Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.
For most patients the condition may be managed well with treatment and avoidance of triggers.
How common is eczema?
------------------------------
The condition is quite common.
About10-20% of all infants have eczema.
In nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age.
Others will have some form of the disease throughout their lives.
Where does Eczema appear?
-----------------------------------
Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body.
In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.
In some people, eczema may form bubbles which breaks and ooze.
In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.
Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).
What are the symptoms and signs of eczema?
-----------------------------------------------------
Typically there are dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin.
Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash.
What makes patients with eczema itch?
-----------------------------------------------
The triggers that causes a flare up of the eczema causes irritation to the skin.
When the skin becomes irritated, histamines are released into the skin causing the redness and itchiness.
For some, rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness. For others, feeling too hot and sweating will cause an outbreak.
Other people find that certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust mites, and animal furs may trigger itching.
Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.
Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up,a condition called neurodematitis.
How can eczema be prevented?
-------------------------------------
Eczema outbreaks can usually be prevented with some simple precautions:
1.Moisturize frequently
2.Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
3.Avoid sweating or overheating
4.Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal furs)
7.Be aware of any foods that may trigger an attack and avoid those foods
8.Reduce stress
How can eczema be treated?
----------------------------------
The most important part of an eczema treatment routine is to avoid scratching because that will irritate the skin even more.
The most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. These treatments are generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so that the moisture from the bath is remains in the skin.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.
Another effective treatment is the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.
For severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).
Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. A course of topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
For severe itching, sedative and non-sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch.
For day time activities as well as driving, non sedative antihistamine should be used.
Because drowsiness is a common side effect, sedative antihistamines are often used in the evening to help a person restless from eczema get to sleep.
Tar treatments and phototherapy are also used and can have positive effects. Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).
Finally, in cases where eczema is resistant to therapy, your physician may prescribe the drug cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response.
This is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.
What can be done for children with eczema?
----------------------------------------------------
Children are special because it is difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema.
For mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages.
In the meantime, avoid as many eczema triggers as possible.
Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer to retain the moisture in the skin.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Keep your child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites.
Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing.
Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, clothing.
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