ATOPIC DERMATITUS

Atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema. It is often associated with personal or family tendency toward asthma or hay fever. Atopic dermatitis may begin at any age, but most commonly begins in infancy or childhood.

Atopic dermatitis may affect any part of the body. Infants typically show involvement of the face. In older children, the inside of the elbows and the area behind the knees are commonly affected. Adults may have involvement of any area, but the neck is often involved.

Itching is the predominant symptom. Many dermatologists consider atopic dermatitis to be .an itch that rashes. because the rash often follows the itch. Because of the itch and subsequent scratching, the affected areas often become dry, thickened and grayish in color.

The goal of treatment is to control the itching and to prevent infection. Because the dry skin is itchy, it is important to keep the skin well lubricated. Use only soap substitutes or very gentle soaps such as Cetaphil, Del-Clens, Neutrogena or Dove. Bathe or shower in lukewarm water because hot water can cause further drying of the skin. Avoid prolonged soaking. Small children may not need a daily bath. A greasy cream , lotion, or ointment such as Vaseline petroleum jelly, Cetaphil cream, or Eucerin cream should be applied to the skin after bathing, preferably before the skin is completely dry.

Treatments of atopic dermatitis usually involves application of various cortisone creams. The creams should be applied for several days in a row until the flare is controlled, and then tapered off to only 2 or 3 days per week for long term maintenance. Prolonged daily use of the cortisone creams should be avoided as this can cause permanent damage to the skin, especially thin-skinned areas such as the face, neck and creases in the arms and legs. There are also some new topical therapies which may be prescribed. In severe cases, sometimes systemic steroids will be used.

Atopic dermatitis tends to improve with age but can persist into adult years. There is no true cure for this condition, but it is controllable with proper skin management, including strict attention to regular use of thick moisturizers along with appropriate intermittent use of cortisone creams.