Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is thought to be allergic in nature, although other factors may play a role. The condition can occur at any age but is particularly liable to occur in infants and young children. The disease can be intensely irritating to affected babies. Skin dryness is an important feature of poorly treated atopic dermatitis; maintaining proper skin moisture is thus an important part of treatment.
Cause
The cause of atopic dermatitis is unclear. Though it is an allergy, it has some unusual symptoms compared to other allergies. Many infants with atopic dermatitis have parents who have or have had conditions such as eczema, asthma or hay fever. Foods, chemicals, pollen, dust, molds, mites and animal dander are suspected to play a role in the formation of this allergic reaction.
Symptoms
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are characteristic. A doctor can often diagnose the condition based on the symptoms in the child and by a careful examination. The typical rash of atopic dermatitis is present on the face and on the backsides of the limbs. Its appearance is variable; it may be red and have small blisters. Longstanding atopic dermatitis can appear dry and scaly; this is due to an inability of the affected skin to retain water. The rash is characteristically itchy. This itchiness can disturb an infant’s sleep and make her irritable.
Complications
Atopic dermatitis is associated with a variety of infections. Due to the repeated skin irritation and itching, the rash can become infected by bacteria. Bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, as well as fungi such as candida, may infect the damaged skin.
Atopic dermatitis may be the first of a number of allergies an individual may have in life. According to a 1999 review in “American Family Physician,” 50 to 70 percent of people with atopic dermatitis have asthma or allergic rhinitis. These children are also at increased risk of food allergies.
Treatment
Skin dryness is an important factor in atopic dermatitis that leads to worsening of symptoms. Though skin dryness does not cause atopic dermatitis, it is strongly associated with it. Moisturizing the skin is thus a critical part of treatment. Infants should be bathed no more than once daily, in warm water for approximately 10 minutes. Soap is not recommended unless the infant is very dirty, as soap has a dehydrating activity on the skin. Parents should apply lotions to infants following bathing. Though they may be uncomfortable to the child, ointments are highly effective at keeping the skin moist. Other treatments that can be used for atopic dermatitis include antihistamines and steroids. Antibiotics may be needed if the skin becomes infected.
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