Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition in which the skin is extremely sensitive to many substances. Atopic dermatitis is marked by itching, inflammation, redness, and small blisters on the skin.
Atopic dermatitis occurs when skin is more sensitive to certain substances than normal. Atopic dermatitis is linked to allergies and may involve an abnormal response of the immune system to environmental substances. Atopic dermatitis is also called atopic eczema and is one of many types of eczema, one form of dermatitis.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can occur in patches on the skin and may appear as small pimples or blisters that crust over or rashes that come and go and may disappear altogether. The appearance, severity, symptoms, and triggers of atopic dermatitis vary between individuals. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis also include itching of the affected area.
Uncomplicated atopic dermatitis is generally not a serious condition, but itching and scratching can lead to increased inflammation, open breaks in the skin, and a secondary bacterial infection or fungal infection of the surrounding skin and tissues. This is called cellulitis and can be potentially serious in some people. For more information on complications and symptoms, refer to symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
People who are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis include those with a personal or family history of allergies, hayfever or asthma.
A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis can often be made by taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam. A diagnosis made need to be made by a specialist in allergies and skin conditions, such as an allergist or a dermatologist.
Skin patch testing may be performed. In a patch test, small amounts of common allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering an allergic response, leading to the atopic dermatitis.
Because the symptoms of atopic dermatitis may be similar to other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, shingles, hives, or poison ivy, a misdiagnosis is possible. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
There is currently no cure for atopic dermatitis, but the condition can be controlled with a good treatment plan. Treatment plans are individualized to a person's medical history, severity of atopic dermatitis, the type of substances that trigger an attack, and other factors.
Treatment begins with the prevention of flare-ups. This includes an integrated plan to reduce exposure to substances that cause a flare-up of atopic dermatitis, (allergens). It is also important to minimize skin dryness. A variety of topical and oral medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and cure secondary infections. Another type of treatment that may be effective for some people with atopic dermatitis is phototherapy.
A combination of treatments that include lifestyle changes with medications and other treatments as appropriate is the most effective way to best control atopic dermatitis. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of atopic dermatitis. ...more »
Atopic dermatitis: Skin disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, and pruritis. Often hereditary and associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Atopic dermatitis is available below.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary greatly in intensity, frequency, and duration among individuals. Symptoms can be minimal and include mild itching and the development of a rash or patch of inflamed skin and blisters or small pimples. Scratching, however, generally does not relieve the itch and can lead to increased inflammation, more intense itching, ...more symptoms »
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that is not curable. However, with a well integrated, medically monitored plan of care, symptoms can be effectively controlled, and people with atopic dermatitis can lead active, comfortable lives. A good treatment plan is individualized to a person's medical history, severity of atopic dermatitis, the specific environmental triggers, and other factors. ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of the atopic dermatitis begins with taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam.
A misdiagnosis is possible because the symptoms of the atopic dermatitis can be similar to other diseases, such as diaper rash, psoriasis, shingles, chicken pox ringworm, hives, poison ivy, or other forms of dermatitis. Because these and ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 10 symptoms of Atopic dermatitis
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The US based website ClinicalTrials.gov lists information on both federally and privately supported clinical trials using human volunteers.
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See full list of 57 Clinical Trials for Atopic dermatitis
Types of Atopic dermatitis
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Chronic inflammatory skin disorder in individuals with a hereditary predisposition to a lowered threshold to pruritus; characterized by extreme itching, leading to scratching and rubbing that result in typical lesions of eczema. - (Source - Diseases Database)
A severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy - (Source - WordNet 2.1)
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