What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema in people. This skin condition is inherent in some people and many scientist and researchers believe that this is handed down through our genes. This skin condition is actually an allergic reaction that a person has from allergens that vary from food to airborne allergens. Atopic dermatitis can occur in children and adults. This skin condition can also have varying degrees of flare ups depending on how the person's immune system reacts to the allergen or irritant.

Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis

One of the most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis is itchy skin. It is this symptom that often leads to severe cases of this skin condition. The individual is often compelled to scratch the extremely itchy skin and this action results to lesions on the skin, wounds and bleeding. Other initial symptoms of atopic dermatitis are flaky or crusty skin, especially notable on skin folds and reddish skin which can be inflamed.

The presence of pustules and red bumps can also be signs of atopic dermatitis. These bumps often become infected when the individual scratches them and these burst exposing the person's system to infections. Oftentimes, stress and emotional upheavals also contribute to aggravating atopic dermatitis or making a person's immune system really low.

Treating Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis treatment usually centers on prevention. Many of those who suffer from atopic dermatitis know what triggers this and avoid the allergens or triggers as they go about their day. There are tests to determine what foods or allergens can trigger a reaction in an individual, although, most sufferers from atopic dermatitis react similarly to the same irritants and allergens. Dairy products often trigger reactions as well as dust and pollen. While environmental factors can be difficult to avoid food is quite easy.

If avoiding allergens or irritants is not an option, then medication enters the picture. Mild cases of atopic dermatitis are treated with applications of topical steroids. These forms of treatments for this particular skin condition are usually over the counter and are safe to use for short term basis. If topical steroids do not work for the individual or if the case of atopic dermatitis is severe, stronger forms of treatments are prescribed by doctors of dermatologists. Immunomodulators and inhibitors are often prescribed for severe cases of dermatitis. While these work wonders, the side effects are not desirable at all and can affect weight and the immune system after long term use.