What Is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, a skin condition that makes you itch and leaves red blotches, usually on your face, arms, and legs. While it happens most often in children, it also affects an estimated 18 million adults. The rashes tend to flare and go away, but then come back again.
Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
Most people will have their first signs of eczema before they’re 5 years old. Infants may have red, crusted, scaly areas on their cheeks, scalp, or the front of their arms and legs.
Children and adults usually have very itchy, red rashes on the back of the neck and knees and in elbow creases. You may also have small bumps and flaky skin. The rash may also develop on the face, wrists, and forearms.
If you scratch, your skin can get thick, dark, and scarred. Itchiness is usually worse at night when you go to bed.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:
Scaly, dry skin
Rash that bubbles up, then weeps clear fluid
Cracked skin that hurts and sometimes bleeds
Skin creasing on the palms of the hand or under the eye
Darkening of skin around the eyes
Atopic Dermatitis Causes
Doctors aren't sure what causes eczema. It seems to run in families, so if one of your parents or siblings has it, there may be a stronger chance that you or your child will have it, too.
Kids with it sometimes have someone in the family who has allergies, hay fever, or asthma. Some experts think that makes them more likely to get eczema. About half of kids who get it will also get hay fever or asthma.
Atopic Dermatitis Triggers:
Strong soaps and detergents
Some fabrics, like wool or scratchy materials
Perfumes, skin care products, and makeup
Pollen and mold
Animal dander
Tobacco smoke
Stress and anger
Dry winter air/low humidity
Long or hot showers/baths
Dry skin
Sweating
Skin infections or especially dry skin
Certain hormones
Dust or sand
Certain foods (usually eggs, dairy products, wheat, soy, and nuts)
Atopic Dermatitis Treatments and Home Remedies
You can't cure eczema, but your doctor may suggest some medication for your symptoms. These might include steroid creams or ointments for mild flares or steroid pills for more severe cases.
You can do a few things at home to ease your flares:
Take warm oatmeal baths. Antioxidants in ground oatmeal may help ease inflammation and itching. Take a 10-minute bath, then moisturize your skin right away.
Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help keep your skin from drying out and being itchy.
Don’t scratch your skin. Try putting pressure on itchy areas instead of scratching them, and keep your nails trimmed. With children, you may want to have them wear gloves at night to keep them from scratching while they sleep.
Wear loose clothing that won’t bother your skin. Loose-fitting clothes won’t rub against your skin, and they can help keep you from sweating.
To treat it in babies (infantile eczema), use bath oils and creams after a bath to keep their skin moist and ease irritation. It’s also best to keep them out of extreme hot or cold temperatures. If the rash doesn’t go away, your pediatrician might recommend a medication with an antihistamine to help with the itching
