Atopic Dermatitis - Eczema

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a severe form of dermatitis characterized by an allergic reaction that becomes apparent in a sensitized person only minutes after contact. This particular kind of eczema is inflammatory and may chronically relapse in an affected individual. The skin of an individual affected with atopic dermatitis is highly sensitive and reacts violently to common triggers and irritants in the environment and food. These triggers are allergens and cause the skin to become red, flaky and extremely itchy.

Due to this medical condition, the individual is also likely to become vulnerable to topical infections caused by bacteria. Some of the most commonly affected skin regions among people with atopic dermatitis include the skin on the surface of the joints, for example, the skin on the inner side of the elbows and the knees.

Doctors believe that atopic dermatitis usually takes place with other atopic diseases, such as seasonal rhinitis resulting from an allergic reaction to pollen, bronchial asthma and inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary and recurrent disease and its symptoms can either diminish or vanish away over time.

Causes of Eczema

In some cases, atopic dermatitis among older children and adults may be confused with psoriasis. Young children, particularly infants, are usually vulnerable to atopic dermatitis and although there is no particular cure for atopic dermatitis or eczema, it can be treated efficiently through a combination of preventive methods and drug therapy. The causes for atopic dermatitis are not well understood, and hence studies and medical research are currently underway to better understand the condition and arrive at a cure.

In order, to prevent atopic dermatitis an eczema diet is believed to be very effective, as it is believed that certain foods also trigger an allergic reaction in this condition. The association of food allergy with eczema is now clearly understood and has been demonstrated through various medical research studies. These foods include dairy products, eggs, dried fruits and nuts, tomatoes, citrus fruits, soy, peanuts, wheat, and corn. Avoiding such foods can help in reducing the occurrence of atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Pollutants in the environment and in an individual’s lifestyle can also be factored in, as triggers of atopic dermatitis. Dust in the environment is believed to be a common allergen, which can trigger off an attack of eczema. Some individuals are highly sensitive to smoking and hence preventing cigarette smoking or inhaling passive smoke can help in preventing the medical condition. Some individuals are also sensitive to animals such pet dogs and cats and hence their dander or fur can trigger an inflammatory response.

Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to eczema or atopic dermatitis include extreme stress, lack of restful sleep and anger. Extreme weather in combination with humidity is also known to provoke outbreaks in an affected individual. Staying away from sudden and extreme temperatures swings can help in preventing the onset of the skin condition.

Since the primary treatment for atopic dermatitis or eczema is prevention, avoiding or minimizing the contact with known substances that can cause an allergy goes a long way in preventing the beginning or early stages of the disease. Once the known allergens are removed away from the surroundings of the individual, topical treatments can further help by reducing the dryness and the inflammation of the skin.