Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a general term often used for any itchy,
dry skin condition.
Atopic dermatitis almost always begins in childhood, usually during infancy. Its symptoms are dry, itchy, scaly skin, cracks behind the ears, the folds of the arms and legs. It alternately improves and worsens. During “flare-ups,” open weeping or crusted sores may develop from scratching or from infections, however atopic dermatitis is not contagious. Research indicates that atopic diseases like eczema are genetically determined, inherited from one’s parents. A child with one parent who has an atopic condition has a one in four chance of having some form of atopic disease. If both parents are atopic, the child has a greater than 50% chance of being atopic.
AD sufferers always have very dry, brittle skin. The external layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier. When the stratum corneum cracks because of dryness, irritants can reach the sensitive layers below and cause a flare-up. Using moisturizers is the best and safest daily treatment to prevent dry skin. Moisturizers trap water beneath the skin making it flexible and less likely to crack. Research has found that the most effective moisturizers have ointment bases such as petrolatum. Cream based products are also helpful. For treatment for a flare, or an advanced stage of eczema, several effective prescription medications are available through your dermatologist.
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