Eczema

Atopic dermatitis—considered a severe form of eczema¹—is a chronic (long-lasting), non-contagious inflammatory skin disease marked by periodic flares.³ It is characterized by significant itching that can be worse at night and disrupt sleep.⁴

Atopic dermatitis causes patches of rash commonly located on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet⁵, but it can appear anywhere on the body.⁶ And while there is no cure for the condition, atopic dermatitis can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.^1,7

Atopic dermatitis most often occurs in babies and children.⁵ Childhood atopic dermatitis may go away or improve with age, but in some cases the condition persists into adulthood.⁵ It’s rare for an adult to get atopic dermatitis. In fact, 90% of people get it before the age of ^5.6

Though its cause is not fully understood, the condition may run in families. It also may be seen in those who suffer from asthma or hay fever or in those who have family members who have these conditions.¹

Some common things that trigger eczema include: dry skin, irritants (such as fragrance, soaps or cigarette smoke), fabrics (such as wool and polyester), stress.⁹

The symptoms of AD are different in adults compared to children. Here’s how it often appears in infants and children⁶:

• In infants, a rash that begins suddenly, on the face, neck, trunk and extremities.
• In children, patches may appear in the creases of the elbow and knees, or on the wrists, ankles, and hands.
• Very intense itching.
• Eczema flares, or episodes, are often triggered by itching, which leads to scratching, inflammation and then more itching. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle⁸".
• Oozing and “weeping” of clear fluids from inflamed areas.
• Rough, leathery patches of skin.

Childhood AD may go away or improve with age, but in some cases, the condition persists into adulthood. In adults, AD symptoms may look different from childhood atopic dermatitis. Adults with AD have skin that may be very dry, scaly, thick, and dark, and constantly itchy. Rashes are often seen in the elbow and knee creases as well as the neck and hands. It can be especially bad around the eyes.⁶

In order to make a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, your healthcare provider will examine your skin and ask questions about your medical and family history.⁷

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but your doctor can help develop a treatment plan that includes medications, lifestyle changes, and a good skin care routine.⁷