Atopic Dermatitis

Atopy is a medical syndrome that includes three associated conditions that tend to occur in the same individual: atopic dermatitis, inhalant allergies, and asthma. All three components need not be present in the same individual simultaneously. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic eczematous skin disease that usually begins in childhood and affects a large percentage of the world’s population, with an increasing incidence. This condition affects 3% of adults and between 10% – 20% of children; many of them enter into a permanent remission of the disease when they get older, although their skin may remain somewhat dry and easily irritated. Females are slightly more likely than males to get Atopic dermatitis. The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors:

• A family history of these diseases remains the strongest risk factor.
• Living in a place with high levels of pollution, or a cold climate seems to increase the risk.
• Other multiple factors can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis, including low humidity, seasonal allergies or exposure to harsh soaps and detergents.

Although symptoms and signs may vary from person to person, patients with atopic dermatitis have “super sensitive” dry, itchy, red skin and a decreased threshold for irritation. Itch is the hallmark of the disease. Patients develop what is referred to as the “itch-scratch” cycle. The extreme itchiness of the skin causes the person to scratch, which in turn worsens the itch, and so on. Typically, affected skin areas include the folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face, and neck. It is recommended the implementation of adjuvants aimed to reinforce the integrity and functionality of the skin barrier, to provide moisturation and emollience and to relieve discomfort and itchneess.