What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a type of inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). It results in itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. Clear fluid may come from the affected areas, which often thickens over time. While the condition may occur at any age, it typically starts in childhood with changing severity over the years. In children under one year of age, much of the body may be affected.

As children get older, the back of the knees and front of the elbows are the most common areas affected. In adults, the hands and feet are the most commonly affected areas. Scratching worsens symptoms and affected people have an increased risk of skin infections. Many people with atopic dermatitis develop hay fever or asthma. The word "atopic" indicates an association with allergies. While atopic dermatitis is not always due to an allergic reaction, it is commonly associated with other allergic disorders: up to 60 percent of people with atopic dermatitis develop asthma or hay fever (allergic rhinitis) later in life, and up to 30 percent have food allergies.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a condition frequently encountered in medical practices across the country. Atopic Dermatitis Treatment for AD needs to rapidly control symptoms of the disease, improve quality of life and prevent exacerbations. The recognition of the genes responsible for defective barrier function is key to immune modulation and the development of newer classes of therapies, including Janus kinase signaling pathway inhibitors, additional PDE4 inhibitors, and agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

The cause is unknown but believed to involve genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposures, and difficulties with the permeability of the skin. If one identical twin is affected, there is an 85% chance the other also has the condition. Those who live in cities and dry climates are more commonly affected. Exposure to certain chemicals or frequent hand washing makes symptoms worse. While emotional stress may make the symptoms worse. The disorder is not contagious. The diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms.

Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, and sore. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body. Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple, or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin. People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema. In fact, more than 18 million American adults have atopic dermatitis which often appears as a red, itchy rash normally on the cheeks, arms, and legs. AD presents different symptoms depending on the age of the person. Itching is the hallmark of AD, more than 85% of people with the condition experience this distressing symptom every day.

When AD is mild, dermatologists may begin treatment by asking patients to avoid known triggers and to moisturize regularly to protect and strengthen the skin barrier.

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