Atopic dermatitis

What is it

Atopic dermatitis - is a chronic, itchy skin condition. It is the most common type of eczema among children but may occur at any age among patients who are hypersensitive to food and/or inhalation allergens. Atopic dermatitis arises because of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. These include defects in skin barrier function making the skin more susceptible to irritation. Allergy develops by stimulating blood cells called lymphocytes.

The reasons

The skin is a barrier to harmful external substances, including allergens. According to recent studies, the causes of atopic dermatitis are inborn. The problem is that the skin's protective properties are damaged (the protein filaggrin is disrupted). Skin cells are also involved in inflammation by producing various substances. Contact with the allergen causes changes such as redness, lumps, blisters and small wounds. This develops atopic eczema, formerly known as eczema.

Symptoms

Dry skin and severe itching are characteristic, which cause the patient to scratch the lesions and damage the skin even more. The lesions appear in various places on the face and body. The disease most often affects children, less often adults, and its state changes with age.

Treatment

If atopic dermatitis is suspected, the doctor orders appropriate tests and differentiates the symptoms from other diseases. Treatment is long-term and requires a high degree of patient discipline. Proper skin care, diet, and often the use of pharmacological treatment are very important. The disease lasts for many years, sometimes for the entire life, although symptoms sometimes disappear with age.