Description:
Atopic eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It’s common in young children but can occur at any age. It is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare sometimes. It can be irritating but it’s not contagious.
People with atopic eczema are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.
Moisturizing regularly and following other skin care habits can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks (flares). Treatment may also include medicated ointments or creams.
Symptoms:
This type of eczema can appar anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. The symptoms may include:
*Dry, cracked skin
*Itchiness (pruritus)
*Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
*Small, raised bumps, on brown or Black skin
*Oozing and crusting
*Thickened skin
*Darkness of the skin around the eyes
*Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
Atopic eczema often begins before age 5 and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it flares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.
Causes:
In some people, atopic dermatitis is related to a gene variation that affects the skin’s ability to provide protection. With a weak barrier function, the skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bacteria, irritants, allergens and environmental factors — such as tobacco smoke.
In other people, this is caused by too much of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on the skin. This displaces helpful bacteria and disrupts the skin’s barrier function.
A weak skin barrier function might also trigger an immune system response that causes the inflamed skin and other symptoms.
Atopic eczema is one of several types of dermatitis. Other common types are contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Dermatitis isn’t contagious.
Risk factors:
The main risk factor is it is very bothersome,having breathing problem,eczimz and fever and restlessness.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose atopic eczima, the doctor will likely talk with the patient about the symptoms, examine his or her skin and review the past medical history. The patient may need tests to identify allergies and rule out other skin diseases.
If certain food caused the child’s rash, then the doctor will determine about potential food allergies.
Patch testing:
The doctor may recommend patch testing of skin. In this test, small amounts of different substances are applied on the skin and then covered. During visits over the next few days, the doctor looks at the skin for signs of a reaction. Patch testing can help diagnose specific types of allergies causing the eczima.
Treatment:
The main treatments for atopic eczema are:
!. Emollients (moisturisers) – used every day to stop the skin becoming dry.
- Topical corticosteroids– creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.
Medications:
The Food and Drug Administration requires that these products have a black box warning about the risk of lymphoma. This warning is based on rare cases of lymphoma among people using topical calcineurin inhibitors. After 10 years of study, no causal relationship between these products and lymphoma and no increased risk of cancer have been found.
*Drugs to fight infection. The doctor may prescribe antibiotic pills to treat an infection.
*Pills that control inflammation. For more-severe eczema, your health care provider may prescribe pills to help control your symptoms. Options might include cyclosporine, methotrexate, prednisone, mycophenolate and azathioprine. These pills are effective but can’t be used long term because of potential serious side effects.
*Other options for severe eczema. The injectable biologics (monoclonal antibodies) dupilumab (Dupixent) and tralokinumab (Adbry) might be options for people with moderate to severe disease who don’t respond well to other treatment. Studies show that it’s safe and effective in easing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Dupilumab is for people over age 6. Tralokinumab is for adults.
CLICK TO SEE :AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF Atopic eczema
Prognosis:
There’s no cure, but many children find their symptoms naturally improve as they get older. The main treatments for atopic eczema are: emollients (moisturisers) – used every day to stop the skin becoming dry. topical corticosteroids – creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.
