Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Introduction: Eczema is a general term used to describe any type of skin disorder that causes inflammation. When doctors and patients talk about "eczema," in most cases they are talking about Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic means a tendency to develop allergy conditions and Dermatitis means a swelling of the skin. Atopic Dermatitis causes itching and produces the formations of small, red, blisterlike formations that release fluid and then form a crust. Atopic Dermatitis is common in babies and young children but can affect anyone.

"The body's immune system is credited with fighting off bacteria and viruses that invade the body." (3) However, in people with AD, their immune system malfunctions or overreacts.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states:

"Scientists have found that people with atopic dermatitis have a low level of a cytokine (a protein) that is essential to the healthy function of the body's immune system and a high level of other cytokines that lead to allergic reactions." This mismatch of the right and wrong cytokines can confuse the immune system and creat inflammation even if there isn't a major infection or external cause. This process of self-inflammation can be looked up as a form of autoimmunity where the body reacts against its own tissues.

A third factor discovered in its cause is its association with those have asthma and/or hay fever. "...it often affects people who either suffer from asthma and/or hay fever or have family members that do," the National Eczema Association reports. "Children affected by AD may suffer from asthma and hay fever at the same time, or one or both of these conditions may develop later. These diseases usually appear before age 30 and often continue throughout life." (1)

A fourth factor in the cause of AD is the difference in skin types between those with the disorder and those without. People with AD lose moisture faster than those without AD. This moisture loss causes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) to become dry and lose its protective abilities. When this barrier is damaged, irritants act more intensely on the skin.(3)

Childhood Occurence: Atopic dermatitis usually begins during infancy and fades with childhood. During childhood, symptoms come and go. When the symptoms "flare up," the child may experience dry, itchy, scaly skin. Open weeping or crusted sores may develop from too much scratching or from infections. (1).

Although AD has a good chance of fading away as the child grows older, he or she may still have skin that is dry and easy to irritate.

Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. Environmental factors can worsen symptoms.

Symptoms: A review of the symptoms mentioned above include:

• Intense itching
• Blisters (that may leak fluid and crust with scratching)
• Redness and inflammation
• Rash
• Dry skin that becomes like leather

Diagnosis: A diagnosis is made by a physician based on the skin's appearance and family history. Other types of dermatitis or eczema will be ruled out.

Treatment: Like many skin disorders, atopic dermatitis is not curable. However, it can be effectively treated and managed. Most treatment plans involve two main components. 1. Healing the skin (through topical or oral medications) and 2. Preventing new flare ups from occuring through moisturizing skin lotions and life-style managment.

Medications that help heal the skin include: topical corticosteroids creams and ointments, antihistamines, and antibiotics to control infections caused by bacteria. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe tar treatments and photolight therapy. Topical immuno-modulators to control inflammation and reduce immune system reactions have been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Prevention methods include the most touted treatment method for controlling eczema which is the application of moisturizers to alleviate itching and scratching, and to act as a barrier to triggers which may cause atopic dermatitis skin inflammation.

The American Academy of Dermatology also makes the following prevention recommendations:

• Avoid wool or other scratchy materials and clothing.
• Avoid excessive sweating and perspiration.
• Do not use harsh soaps, detergents and cleaning solvents.
• Be aware of foods and food allergies that can trigger flare-ups.
• Keep your house clean of pollen, dust, mold and animal dander.

It is important to note that all atopic dermatitis treatment and prevention plans should be supervised by your doctor.

Article by Jason Morrow,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

Sources:
(1) The National Eczema Association
(2) American Academy of Dermatology
(3) The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(4) UK National Eczema Society

Eczema is sometimes misspelled as: Excema, Exema, Exzema, Exema, Eczima, and Exzima