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Atopic
dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema is a chronic skin disorder
that is categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema
often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hay
fever, or eczema. The 3 main types of dermatitis--atopic, contact
allergy and contact irritant-- have different causes. While it is not
agreed on about the cause of atopic dermatitis, there is a general
agreement that it is a genetic disorder that is influenced by
environmental factors. Eczema is most common in
infants, and at least half of those cases clear by age 36 months. In
adults it is generally a chronic or recurring condition. A
hypersensitivity reaction occurs in the skin, which causes chronic
inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and
scaly, which if scratched chronically can cause the skin to thicken and
have a leathery-texture. Decreased humidity, & very high or
very low outside are just some of the environmental factors that can
worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, & exposure to
water. On a individual basis stress, excessive sweating, &
anxiety can cause dermatitis. Some symptoms to
look for include: - Intense itching
- Blisters with oozing &
crusting
- Skin redness or
inflammation around the blisters
-
Rash
- Dry, leathery skin
areas
- Ear discharges/
bleeding
- Raw areas of
skin from scratching
-
Located commonly in the inner elbow or behind the knee
- May spread to the neck, hands, feet, or eyelids
- Skin abnormally dark or abnormally
light
- In children under
2 years old, skin lesions begin on the cheeks, elbows, or knees
- In adults the rash more commonly
involves the inside surface of the knees and elbows
Visible dermatitis on the face is generally caused by
cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, spectacle frames, and nickel in earrings.
On the scalp it is caused by hair dyes, lotions, and tonics containing
Balsam of Peru. Nickel in jewelry worn around the neck, wrist or hands
can cause the same reaction. On the body it can be caused by rubber
material used in underwear. On the feet dyes used in socks can cause
dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs
when a highly reactive chemical substance comes into direct contact
with the skin. The skin reaction can occur days after the initial
exposure you will notice the site of contact become irritated it only
takes a very minute quantity to become irritated.
Irritant contact dermatitis can potentially occur in anyone. The skin
erupts when it encounters certain irritants, such as chemicals that
directly damage the superficial layer of the skin. With people who have
constantly wet hands the damage occurs more readily. Some common skin
irritants are soaps, detergents, disinfectants cleaning chemicals,
shampoos, dyes, and cutting oils. Contact dermatitis can be job
related; hairdressers, cooks, caterers, dishwashers, machine-tool
operators, nurses and homemakers are all at risk.
Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on
personal and family history. If you notice lesions contact a health
care provider. These lesions should be examined to rule out other
possibilities. A skin biopsy may be performed, but is not always
required to make a diagnosis. After a diagnosis together you and your
health care provider can agree on the proper treatment. |