🌿 Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, and red skin. It often begins in childhood and is linked to other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.
🔍 Causes
- Genetic tendency (family history of allergies)
- Immune system dysfunction causing skin barrier defects
- Environmental triggers: irritants, allergens, weather changes, stress
⚠️ Symptoms
- Dry, scaly, and itchy patches of skin
- Redness and inflammation
- Thickened or cracked skin from scratching
- Commonly affects face, neck, inside elbows, behind knees, and hands
- Can lead to infections due to skin barrier breakdown
🧪 Diagnosis
- Mainly clinical based on symptoms and history
- Allergy testing to identify triggers (optional)
- Skin biopsy in unclear cases
🛠️ Treatment
- Moisturizers: Regular use to repair skin barrier
- Topical corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation during flare-ups
- Calcineurin inhibitors: Non-steroidal options for sensitive areas
- Antihistamines: To relieve itching
- Avoidance of triggers (soaps, detergents, allergens)
- In severe cases: Phototherapy or systemic immunosuppressants
🛡️ Management Tips
- Use gentle, fragrance-free skin products
- Avoid hot showers; use lukewarm water
- Wear soft, breathable clothing
- Keep nails trimmed to reduce skin damage from scratching