Atopic dermatitis - ECZEMA

1. Atopic dermatitis - ECZEMA An overview of the condition By: Nileena Johnkutty

2. eczema: A CHRONIC DISEASE • Refers to several different skin swelling conditions • It is referred to as dermatitis • The most common type of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis which occurs as a response to an allergic reaction • Usually occurs in babies and children but can happen to ANYONE • It usually occurs in people who live in dry and urban climate • Sometimes, atopic dermatitis may develop into asthma and hay fever or it may improve and go away. • You can’t catch the disease or spread it.

3. THE CAUSE OF atopic dermatitis • Though the exact cause is not known, but it is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. • However there are many different symptoms that can occur and to find that out: Doctors will ask questions to: • Learn about your symptoms • Know when symptoms occur • Eliminate out other diseases • Figure out the roots of your symptoms • Find out whether other family members with allergies • Ask whether the patient has been around something that may seem irritating

4. Allergens and Irritants • Irritants are particles that can worsen the condition which can cause red and itchy skin. • They include: • Wool • Soaps and disinfectants • Perfumes and makeup • Dust or sand • Cigarette smoke • Allergens are substances that come from plants, animals, or the air. • They include: • Eggs • Peanuts • Dust Mites • Pollen

5. Types of Dermatitis • Allergic Contact Dermatitis – results from direct contact with allergen • Irritant Contact Dermatitis – develops when the skin comes into contact with an irritant • Neurodermatitis – develops due to repeated scratching and usually occurs in the scalp, neck or wrist. • Perioral Dermatitis – occurs around the mouth but can also affect the area around the nose, cheeks, and eyes. • Seborrheic Dermatitis – is usually found on oily areas of the body such as the face and upper chest • Stasis Dermatitis – occurs when varicose veins or other symptoms causes the build up of fluids in the lower legs which causes swelling and itching

6. Atopic Dermatitis Adult Vs. Infants

7. Treatment • Treatment is planned in a collaborative manner based on: • Age • Symptoms • General Health • Atopic dermatitis treatment is planned to heal skin and prevent flaresby: • Developing a skin care routine • Avoiding items that result in flares • Treating symptoms when they occur

8. Popular products

9. other treatments • Other forms of treatment include: • Skin creams or ointments • Corticosteroids • Antihistamines • Light Therapy • A mix of light therapy and a drug named psoralen • Exfoliation masks and creams • Protection from irritants and allergens

10. A connection • It has been advised that people with atopic dermatitis should not be vaccinated against small pox since it may worsen their condition • Research is being done on atopic dermatitis to find out how it can be managed, treated, and prevented through a look at: • Genetics • Immune factors • Light factors • New medications • Light therapy

11. Bibliography "Atopic Dermatitis." (n.d.): n. pag. Fast Facts About. Sept. 2009. Web. 18 Aug. 2013. <http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Atopic_Dermatitis/atopic_dermatitis_ff.asp>. Staff, Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Aug. 2012. Web. 18 Aug. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis/DS00543>. "Eczema: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 18 Aug. 2013. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eczema.html>.