skin disorders
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis usually begins in infancy, as early as 3 months of age. In theearly (acute) phase,red, oozing, and crusted areas develop, and sometimes blisters. Itching is often intense. In thechronic (later) phase,scratching and rubbing create areas that appear dry and thickened (lichenified). Atopic dermatitis usually develops in infancy. In the early (acute) phase, the rash appears on the face and then spreads to the neck, scalp, arms, and legs. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. In the chronic (later) phase of atopic dermatitis, the rash often occurs in only one or a few spots, such as on the inner fold of the elbow area seen here. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This photo shows red crusted spots on the back of the knees and legs. © Springer Science+Business Media In infants, rashes on the face spread to the neck, eyelids, scalp, hands, arms, feet, and legs. Large areas of the body may be affected. In older children and adults, a rash often occurs (and recurs) in only one or a few spots, especially on the front of the neck, the inner folds of the elbows, and behind the knees. Although the color, intensity, and location of the rash vary, the rash always itches. In older children and adults, intense itching is the main symptom. The itching often leads to uncontrollable scratching, triggering a cycle of itching-scratching-itching that makes the problem worse. Continuous scratching causes the skin to thicken (lichenification). Itching worsens with dry air, irritation, and emotional stress. Common environmental triggers of symptoms include Excessive bathing or washing Harsh soaps Presence of the bacteriumStaphylococcus aureuson the skin Sweating Rough fabrics and wool Scratching and rubbing can also tear the skin, leaving an opening for bacteria to enter and cause infections of the skin, tissues below the skin, and nearby lymph nodes. Widespread inflammation and scaling of the skin also can develop. In people with atopic dermatitis, infection with the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections , which in other people usually affects a small area with tiny, slightly painful blisters, may cause a serious illness with widespread dermatitis, blistering, and high fever (eczema herpeticum). People with atopic dermatitis are also more prone to develop other viral infections of the skin (such as common Warts and People who have atopic dermatitis also have a higher risk of Allergic contact dermatitis . These contact reactions are triggered when the skin comes in to contact with an allergen, which is a substance that sensitizes the skin. For example, contact allergies to nickel, the most common contact allergen, are twice as common among people who have atopic dermatitis than among people who do not have atopic dermatitis. 