Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of skin rash that usually develops in early childhood and continues into the teen years. The term "atopic" refers to a tendency to develop allergy conditions, and the term "dermatitis" means swelling of the skin. Atopic dermatitis, which is not contagious, is often referred to as eczema, which is a general term for several types of skin inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. However, several types of eczema have similar symptoms.

 

While atopic dermatitis is more common in babies and children, it can affect people of all ages. People who live in cities and dry climates may be more likely to get the condition.

 

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

• Langerhans cells then move to the dermis to deliver the invader to other cells in the immune defense system. These other cells are white blood cells, called T cells, which produce proteins called cytokines. Cytokines attract other cells, such as mast cells, to come to the area and release the chemicals that cause inflammation.

• Langerhans cells are good at activating T cells in the skin of people with atopic dermatitis.

 

• Langerhans cells in people with atopic dermatitis are thought to be overactive, which can result in a larger-than-normal skin reaction to even tiny amounts of allergens or foreign substances. This causes the redness, itching, and dry skin that are typical of atopic dermatitis.

 

Other possible explanations for atopic dermatitis include:

 

• A flaw in a type of white blood cell, called a monocyte, that helps regulate allergic reactions.

• An overproduction of a protein called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which stimulates allergic reactions.

 

Doctors believe that atopic dermatitis runs in families, but they do not know why some people will get it and others will not. However, doctors do know that certain factors, such as dry weather, cigarette smoke, certain types of foods, and the chemicals in household cleaners, often make the condition worse.

 

Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis treatment is most successful when the affected person, family members, and doctor work together. Treatment plans are based on the person's:

 

• Age
• Symptoms
• General health.

 

Affected persons need to follow their treatment plan carefully and note what is or is not helpful. Symptoms usually improve with the right skin care and lifestyle changes.

 

The goal of treatment for atopic dermatitis is to heal the skin and prevent flare-ups. Doctors will help people to:

 

• Develop a good skin care routine
• Avoid things that lead to flare-ups
• Treat symptoms when they occur.

 

Affected persons and family members should watch for changes in the skin to see what treatments help the most.

 

Medications for atopic dermatitis include:

 

• Skin creams or ointments that control swelling and decrease allergic reactions
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria
• Antihistamines that make people sleepy to help stop nighttime scratching
• Drugs that suppress the immune system.

 

Other treatments include:

 

• Light therapy
• A mix of light therapy and a drug called Psoralen^®
• Skin care that helps heal the skin and keep it healthy (see Atopic Dermatitis Skin Care)
• Protection from allergens.

 

 

Irritants and allergens can make atopic dermatitis worse by causing the skin to be red, itchy, or to burn. These things include:

 

• Wool or manmade fibers
• Soaps and cleaners
• Some perfumes and makeup
• Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
• Dust or sand
• Cigarette smoke.

 

Allergens are allergy-causing substances from foods, plants, animals, or the air. Common allergens that can make atopic dermatitis worse are:

 

• Foods such as eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, and wheat
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pollen
• Dog or cat dander.

 

Although stress, anger, and frustration can make atopic dermatitis worse, they have not been shown to actually cause it. Other factors that can lead to skin flare-ups include:

 

 

 

The Importance of Smallpox Vaccinations

People with atopic dermatitis should not get the smallpox vaccine because it may cause serious problems.

 

Current Research on Atopic Dermatitis