Info on Atopic Dermatitis

• Facts About Atopic Dermatitis

This eMedTV article offers facts about atopic dermatitis regarding its prevalence and associated healthcare costs. For example, researchers estimate that U.S. health insurance companies spend more than $1 billion per year on atopic dermatitis.

• Skin

This eMedTV article explains how the three layers of skin -- the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis -- work together to protect you and keep you healthy.

• Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

This page of the eMedTV library discusses possible causes of atopic dermatitis. For example, research scientists believe that environment and genetics work together to cause the condition; strong emotions can make it worse, but they cannot cause it.

• What Makes Atopic Dermatitis Worse?

What makes atopic dermatitis worse? Both irritants and allergens can work together to amplify symptoms. This eMedTV Web page provides examples of each and explains how they exacerbate flareups of atopic dermatitis.

• Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

As this eMedTV article explains, common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include itching, hives, and a rash on the face or hands and feet. However, people with these symptoms don't always have atopic dermatitis; other conditions share these symptoms.

• Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis

This eMedTV resource discusses the detailed process doctors use when diagnosing atopic dermatitis. Some aspects include skin and allergy tests, a consideration of your symptoms, and an examination of the rash.

• Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

This eMedTV segment offers an in-depth look at atopic dermatitis treatment options, ranging from topical steroids and oral medications to ultraviolet light therapy. Possible side effects of each are also described.

• Atopic Dermatitis Skin Care

Following a daily atopic dermatitis skin care routine is an essential part of preventing flareups. This eMedTV article offers a few tips, including what not to do. For example, moisturizing the skin is important, but bath oils are not recommended.

• Living With Atopic Dermatitis

This page of the eMedTV archives offers tips for people living with atopic dermatitis. Although it cannot be cured, patients can work with their doctors to treat their symptoms through medications and proper skin care techniques.

• Atopic Dermatitis by Age

This eMedTV resource compares and contrasts atopic dermatitis in infants, children, and adults. Although the condition usually appears in infancy and childhood, atopic dermatitis by age tends to have similar patterns of progression and symptoms.

• Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis in Infants and Children

Tips regarding treatment for atopic dermatitis in infants and children provided in this eMedTV article include giving lukewarm baths, using skin lubricants, and selecting soft cotton clothing.

• Atopic Dermatitis and the Smallpox Vaccine

People with atopic dermatitis should avoid the smallpox vaccine. This eMedTV page explains how the smallpox vaccination (or contact with someone who recently had the vaccination) can lead to serious complications in people who have atopic dermatitis.

• Atopic Dermatitis Research

This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at current and past atopic dermatitis research studies. For example, research scientists are looking into what causes atopic dermatitis and how the condition can be better managed, treated, and prevented.

• Atopic Dermatitis and Who It Affects

This eMedTV resource takes an in-depth look at atopic dermatitis and who it affects. Related statistics are also offered. For example, 65 percent of patients develop symptoms in the first year of life, and 90 percent develop symptoms before age 5.