Atopic Dermatits

Atopic dermatitis, which affects 3 out of every 10 children in developed countries, is one of the most frequently encountered skin diseases of childhood. Atopic dermatitis (AD) or known as atopic eczema, is a disease that occurs due to environmental and genetic factors, continue with attacks and relapse. 


 

It decreases quality of life

It frequently occurs in the first year of a person's life; half of the cases reveal findings before first 6 months of age, 85 percent on the other hand reveal findings during first 5 years of age. In severe cases, it can cause more significant decrease in the quality of life of the child and the child's family compared to other chronic diseases of childhood. Strongest risk factor for the development of the disease is the presence of an atopic disease in a first degree relative. 
 

Symptoms may be present all throughout the body

Atopic dermatitis reveals itself with itchy, rubescent wounds that have discharge and scab on cheeks and other parts of the face, anterior of the legs and outer part of the elbows starting from the 2 month-old period. It may cause the patient to suddenly wake up or make it difficult to fall asleep due to intense and severe itching sensation. There can be symptoms all over the body except diaper region in severe cases. With the increase of age, new harder, thicker, more rubescent, more itching areas form on the neck and nape, back of the legs, anterior of wrists and elbows. Bright and dark color changes over time, thickened and rough skin appearance secondary to itching may be observed. Palm and soles can be affected in elder children and adults. 
 

Diagnosed with clinical signs and symptoms

Despite diagnosis is made with the help of laboratory tests in many other diseases, there is no such laboratory test for atopic dermatitis. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is made by the combination of clinical signs and symptoms. Itchiness, dry skin, typical looking skin symptoms that are localized according to age, chronic and remitting continuation are important hints for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
 

How is it treated?

The main purpose of the treatment is to repair the barrier function of the skin, prevent inflammation by avoiding triggering factors and take the attacks under control. Triggering factors may include low humidity, excess heat and sweating, repetitive contact with water without applying moisturizer, emotional stress, skin infections, detergents, solvents, contact with tough and dryer soaps, alcohol, astringent, self care products containing perfume, tough-itchy clothing such as wool. Therefore, clothes made of cotton should be preferred for children with atopic dermatitis, if the ambient is too dry, cold air vapor devices should be used and the ambient heat should be adjusted in order not to cause sweating. Applying appropriate moisturizing creams and pomades on a regular basis largely contributes to the repairing of the barrier function. Physicians should be consulted when an attack develops and appropriate treatment should be applied as suggested.