skin disorders
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Introduction
Atopic dermatitis (commonly referred to as eczema) is chronic, itchy inflammation of the upper layers of the skin that often develops in people who have hay fever or asthma and in people who have family members with these conditions. Atopic dermatitis is very common, particularly in high-income countries and among people who have a tendency to develop allergies. Infants tend to develop red, oozing, crusted rashes on the face, scalp, hands, arms, feet, or legs. Older children and adults tend to develop one or a few spots, usually on the hands, upper arms, in front of the elbows, or behind the knees. Doctors base the diagnosis on the appearance of the rash and the person's personal and family medical histories. Treatment includes practicing general skin care, applying corticosteroids to the skin, and sometimes using other treatments such as phototherapy or immune system‒modulating medications. (See also Overview of Dermatitis .) Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders, particularly in children living in urban areas or high-income countries. Each year, up to about 10% of adults and 20% of children are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Most people develop the disorder before age 5, and many people develop it before age 1. Atopic dermatitis that develops during childhood frequently goes away or lessens greatly by adulthood. Atopic dermatitis may begin during late adulthood or even later in life. Atopic dermatitis is caused by a genetic defect of the skin barrier that predisposes the skin to inflammation. It often runs in families, and many people or their family members who have atopic dermatitis also have Asthma , Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. 