Atopic Eczema
The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, sometimes abbreviated AD. Most people who suffer from eczema usually have a case of atopic dermatitis, which can vary in intensity and duration. It occurs most commonly in children. 10-20% of all children have some form of atopic dermatitis. Many adults also experience atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by redness of the skin, itching, inflammation, rashes, swelling, cracking, crusting, and scaling. Dry skin on or around the affected are is also a common symptom.
Causes
Atopic dermatitis atopic dermatitis can occur in response to a variety of irritants in food, clothing, chemicals, or some allergens. Of course, a deeper cause may be genetic predisposition to the condition. Children who experience atopic dermatitis as a child are at increased risk for eczema into adulthood, though most will outgrow it.
Treatment
Like all forms of eczema, there is no treatment for atopic eczema. There are, however, ways of preventing and avoiding atopic dermatitis. The most common-sense way of dealing with atopic dermatitis is to remove any potential causes, be it in the diet, clothing, or other conditions. For infants who suffer from atopic dermatitis, it is recommended that mothers breastfeed them rather than use formula. Staying away from dairy products, nuts, wheat, soy, and corn products is also recommended.
In addition to avoiding the causes, the skin itself should be cared for. Using an intensive or prescription-strength skin moisturizer is one of the best forms of treatments. Avoiding dry skin is absolutely imperative. In extremely serious forms, physicians sometimes prescribe a corticosteroid ointment, medicated cream, or even steroid injections.
Complications
If atopic dermatitis because particularly severe, subjects run the risk of infection due to open lesions. The most common infection is Staphylococcus aureus, which can be treated with antibiotics.
