Information on Atopic Dermatitis for patients

1. Atopic Dermatitis
What you should know
Source: http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Atopic_Dermatitis/
Image Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atopic_dermatitis_child.JPG

2. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin disease.
 “Atopic” refers to a tendency to develop allergy
conditions.
 “Dermatitis” means swelling of the skin.
Atopic
Dermatitis
Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatitis_atopica_03.JPG
What do “Atopic” and “Dermatitis” mean?

3. Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:
 Dry and itchy skin
 Rashes on the face, hands, and feet
 Inside the elbows or behind the knees
 Scratching the skin can cause:
 Redness, swelling, and cracking
 “Weeping” clear fluid
 Crusting, thick skin, and Scaling
Atopic
Dermatitis
Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dermatitis_atopica_02.JPG

4. Diagnosis
Doctors will ask for a medical history to:
 Learn about your symptoms
 Rule out other diseases
Doctors also may ask about:
 Other family members with allergies
 Foods or materials that bother your skin
 Use of any medications or skin treatments
Atopic
Dermatitis
Image Credit: NIH Image Bank

5. Irritants and Allergens
Irritants and allergens make symptoms worse.
 Wool or manmade fibers
 Soaps and cleaners
 Cosmetic products
 Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, solvents
 Eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, and wheat
 Not using enough lubricants after a bath
 Low humidity in winter
 Dry year-round climate
 Long or hot baths and showers
 Going from sweating to being chilled
 Bacterial infections
Atopic
Dermatitis
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/pkvIFb

6. Treatment
Treatment goals are to heal the skin and
prevent flares.
 Moisturizing skin creams or ointments
 Topical corticosteroids creams or ointments
 Oral corticosteroids, antibiotics, antihistamines
 Other medications
 Light therapy
 Skincare to help heal the skin (wet wraps)
 Protection from allergens
Atopic
Dermatitis
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/nVWtfM
Treatments include: