What are the common symptoms of flexural eczema. How is flexural eczema different from other types of eczema. What causes flexural eczema to develop. Which treatments are most effective for managing flexural eczema symptoms. Can flexural eczema be prevented or cured completely.

Understanding Flexural Eczema: A Common Skin Condition

Flexural eczema is a specific type of atopic dermatitis that primarily affects the creases of joints, particularly the elbows and knees. This skin condition is characterized by red, irritated, and intensely itchy patches of skin that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While it can occur at any age, flexural eczema is most commonly observed in late childhood and adulthood.

The term “flexural” refers to the location of the eczema, which appears in the flexion areas of the body – places where the skin folds or creases when a joint bends. Besides the elbows and knees, flexural eczema can also manifest in other areas such as the ankles, wrists, and neck.

Key Characteristics of Flexural Eczema

• Appears in skin creases and folds
• Causes red, irritated patches of skin
• Intense itching is a primary symptom
• Chronic condition with periods of flare-ups and remission
• Can affect both children and adults

Recognizing the Symptoms of Flexural Eczema

Identifying flexural eczema early is crucial for effective management. The symptoms can vary in severity and may change over time, but there are several common signs to watch for:

Primary Symptoms

• Intense itching, often preceding visible rash
• Red, inflamed patches of skin in joint creases
• Dry, scaly skin in affected areas
• Potential skin thickening due to chronic scratching

Is there a difference in how flexural eczema presents in children versus adults? Indeed, the presentation can vary with age. In infants, eczema often appears on the face, scalp, and extensor surfaces of limbs. As children grow older, the characteristic flexural pattern emerges, with the rash concentrating in the creases of elbows and knees.

Additional Signs in Children

1. Itchy, scaly patches in elbow and knee creases
2. Possible darkening or lightening of affected skin
3. Development of permanent goosebumps
4. Thickened skin from persistent scratching

Adults may experience similar symptoms, but the condition can be more persistent and may affect a wider range of body areas.

Unraveling the Causes of Flexural Eczema

While the exact cause of flexural eczema remains elusive, researchers have identified several factors that contribute to its development:

Genetic Factors

Genetics play a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to eczema. Studies have shown that a mutation in the FLG gene, which encodes the protein filaggrin, may be linked to eczema development. Filaggrin is crucial for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. When this barrier is compromised, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritants and allergens, potentially leading to eczema flare-ups.

Environmental Triggers

Various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate flexural eczema. These may include:

• Allergens (e.g., pollen, pet dander, dust mites)
• Irritants (e.g., harsh soaps, detergents, certain fabrics)
• Climate conditions (extreme heat, cold, or humidity)
• Stress
• Hormonal changes

Immune System Dysfunction

Many individuals with eczema have an overactive immune system. This heightened immune response can lead to inflammation when exposed to certain substances, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of eczema.

Do all people with a genetic predisposition develop flexural eczema? Not necessarily. The interplay between genetic factors and environmental triggers determines whether an individual will develop the condition. This complex interaction explains why eczema can vary in severity and persistence among different people.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Flexural Eczema

While there is no cure for flexural eczema, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. A comprehensive approach often yields the best results:

Topical Treatments

• Corticosteroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) to modulate the immune response
• Moisturizers to hydrate the skin and improve barrier function

Systemic Medications

For more severe cases, systemic medications may be prescribed:

• Immunosuppressants like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil
• Biologic drugs that target specific components of the immune system

Phototherapy

Controlled exposure to specific wavelengths of light can help reduce inflammation and improve skin healing in some cases of eczema.

Complementary Therapies

Some individuals find relief through complementary approaches:

• Meditation and stress reduction techniques
• Hypnosis
• Biofeedback

How quickly can treatment improve flexural eczema symptoms? The response to treatment can vary widely among individuals. Some may see improvement within a few days of starting treatment, while others may require several weeks or months to achieve significant relief. Consistency in following the prescribed treatment plan is key to long-term management.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Flexural Eczema Relief

In addition to medical treatments, several home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups:

Soothing Home Remedies

• Oatmeal baths to reduce itching and inflammation
• Cool compresses to soothe irritated skin
• Regular application of petroleum jelly or other emollients to lock in moisture
• Avoiding scratching and finding distractions during intense itching episodes

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Identifying and avoiding triggers
2. Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
3. Wearing soft, breathable fabrics
4. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels
5. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or exercise

Can dietary changes help manage flexural eczema? While the link between diet and eczema is not fully understood, some individuals may benefit from identifying and avoiding foods that trigger flare-ups. Common culprits include dairy, eggs, nuts, and wheat. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

Prevention Strategies for Flexural Eczema

While it may not be possible to prevent flexural eczema entirely, several strategies can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups:

Proactive Skincare

• Maintaining a consistent moisturizing routine
• Using mild, unscented soaps and detergents
• Taking short, lukewarm showers or baths
• Patting skin dry instead of rubbing

Environmental Control

• Keeping indoor spaces clean and free of dust
• Using hypoallergenic bedding
• Avoiding extreme temperature changes
• Minimizing exposure to known allergens

Stress Management

Since stress can trigger or exacerbate eczema symptoms, incorporating stress-reduction techniques into daily life can be beneficial:

• Regular exercise
• Mindfulness meditation
• Adequate sleep
• Time management and prioritization

Is it possible to completely prevent flexural eczema flare-ups? While complete prevention may not be achievable for everyone, consistent adherence to a personalized prevention plan can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help fine-tune prevention strategies over time.

The Long-Term Outlook for Flexural Eczema

Understanding the long-term prognosis for flexural eczema is crucial for patients and their families. While the condition can be challenging to manage, many individuals experience improvement over time:

Factors Influencing Prognosis

• Age of onset: Early-onset eczema may be more likely to improve with age
• Severity: More severe cases tend to persist longer
• Consistency of treatment: Regular management can lead to better long-term outcomes
• Presence of other allergic conditions: Individuals with additional allergies may have a more persistent course

Does flexural eczema always persist into adulthood? Not necessarily. Research indicates that many children with eczema experience significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms by adulthood. However, the likelihood of outgrowing eczema depends on various factors, including those mentioned above.

Ongoing Management

For those who continue to experience flexural eczema into adulthood, ongoing management is key to maintaining quality of life:

• Regular dermatology check-ups
• Adjusting treatment plans as needed
• Staying informed about new treatment options
• Participating in support groups or educational programs

The landscape of eczema treatment is continually evolving, with numerous clinical trials underway. These studies offer hope for more effective treatments in the future, potentially improving long-term outcomes for individuals with flexural eczema.

Advances in Flexural Eczema Research and Treatment

The field of eczema research is rapidly advancing, offering new hope for individuals affected by flexural eczema. Recent developments and ongoing studies are paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments:

Emerging Therapies

• Biologic drugs targeting specific inflammatory pathways
• JAK inhibitors for modulating immune response
• Microbiome-based therapies to restore skin balance
• Novel barrier repair formulations

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Researchers are exploring ways to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles and specific eczema subtypes. This personalized approach could lead to more effective management strategies and improved outcomes.

Innovative Delivery Methods

New methods of delivering medications are being developed, including:

• Nanoparticle-based topical treatments
• Long-acting injectable medications
• Controlled-release formulations for sustained relief

How might these advancements change the landscape of flexural eczema treatment? As research progresses, we may see a shift towards more targeted, long-lasting treatments with fewer side effects. This could significantly improve quality of life for those living with flexural eczema and potentially increase the likelihood of long-term remission.

Preventive Strategies

Research is also focusing on identifying early interventions that may prevent the development or progression of eczema:

• Early skin barrier protection in high-risk infants
• Immunomodulatory approaches to prevent allergic sensitization
• Environmental modifications to reduce trigger exposure

While many of these approaches are still in the experimental stage, they offer exciting possibilities for the future of flexural eczema management. As research continues, individuals with eczema and their healthcare providers should stay informed about emerging treatment options and clinical trials that may offer new avenues for relief.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More

Eczema is the term for a group of skin conditions that cause irritated, red, and itchy skin. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

Flexural eczema describes the location where an eczema rash occurs. It appears around the creases of the joints, most frequently the elbows and knees. It can also occur at the ankles, wrists, and neck. Flexural eczema most commonly appears in late childhood and adulthood.

Here’s everything you need to know about flexural eczema.

Flexural eczema causes red, irritated, and itchy patches of skin to appear on the skin near your or your child’s joints. The condition is chronic, which means you might notice that symptoms clear up for a while only to return again several weeks, months, or years later.

Typically, an eczema rash starts as itchy skin. Once you or your child starts scratching it, the rash will develop.

Eczema can affect a person at any age and can continue into adulthood in some more severe cases, but it can look different based on age.

While babies tend to have eczema on the face, scalp, and extensors, like the front of the knee or back of the elbow, children between 2 years old and adolescence are more likely to develop the itchy rash around the creases in their elbows and knees. Other areas of eczema that are common in this age group are the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Other symptoms and signs of eczema in children can include:

• itchy, scaly patches
• rash that appears in the knee or elbow creases or in other areas of the body
• darkening or lightening of skin near the rashes
• permanent goose bumps
• thickened skin that develops from chronic itching or rubbing

The exact cause of eczema is still unknown, but researchers have some ideas. According to the National Eczema Association, causes of eczema include:

• genetics, which may influence whether someone develops eczema as a child
• environmental factors, also known as triggers, like allergens, chemicals, or other stimuli that causes eczema to start or flare

Children or adults living with eczema may also have an overactive immune system. In this case, the immune system overreacts to a substance outside or inside the body, which results in inflammation.

Evidence suggests that people with eczema may have a mutation in the FLG gene that encodes a protein called filaggrin. Filaggrin helps create a protective barrier between the skin and the outside world. Without a sufficient barrier, your skin or your child’s skin can become dry and prone to infection.

Eczema does not have a cure, but you can take steps to help lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent flares for you or your child.

Medical treatments can involve both topical and systemic medications. During a flare, you can apply topical medications, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and steroids, directly to the affected skin.

Your doctor may also recommend phototherapy to topically treat eczema. Phototherapy involves using light to help reduce the severity of an eczema flare and help heal the skin.

A doctor may also recommend taking systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. Additionally, over 40 clinical trials are underway or in the process of getting approval, which means new medications may eventually become available that better treat eczema.

You or your child may also find some relief with complementary therapies. Some techniques include meditation, hypnosis, and biofeedback.

Some at-home treatments may also help improve flexural eczema symptoms. These include:

• oatmeal baths
• cool compresses
• petroleum jelly or other moisturizing cream or ointment
• finding distractions from the itch

Taking steps to avoid known triggers can help prevent flexural eczema flares. It is important to take time to set up a treatment plan for flexural eczema.

Several treatment options can help prevent flares. For example, systematic medications can have a preventive effect on flexural eczema. Keeping your or your child’s skin moisturized can also help prevent new flares from occurring.

Research shows that most children will “outgrow” eczema by the time they are adults. However, several factors can make lifelong eczema more likely. The following factors affect whether eczema will subside or go away completely over time:

• severity of the condition, as more severe cases are more likely to continue into adulthood
• time of onset, as eczema that appears later in life is more likely to last
• persistency of the condition

Flexural eczema is a type of eczema that appears around the creases of joints, often on the elbows and knees. It causes an itchy rash to form. Children may be more likely to develop flexural eczema, though it can occur in adults as well. If your child develops eczema, there is a chance that it will go away as they age.

There are many treatment options for eczema, like topical medications, systemic medications, and home remedies. Talk with your doctor about creating a treatment plan that is right for you or your child’s eczema.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More

Eczema is the term for a group of skin conditions that cause irritated, red, and itchy skin. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

Flexural eczema describes the location where an eczema rash occurs. It appears around the creases of the joints, most frequently the elbows and knees. It can also occur at the ankles, wrists, and neck. Flexural eczema most commonly appears in late childhood and adulthood.

Here’s everything you need to know about flexural eczema.

Flexural eczema causes red, irritated, and itchy patches of skin to appear on the skin near your or your child’s joints. The condition is chronic, which means you might notice that symptoms clear up for a while only to return again several weeks, months, or years later.

Typically, an eczema rash starts as itchy skin. Once you or your child starts scratching it, the rash will develop.

Eczema can affect a person at any age and can continue into adulthood in some more severe cases, but it can look different based on age.

While babies tend to have eczema on the face, scalp, and extensors, like the front of the knee or back of the elbow, children between 2 years old and adolescence are more likely to develop the itchy rash around the creases in their elbows and knees. Other areas of eczema that are common in this age group are the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Other symptoms and signs of eczema in children can include:

• itchy, scaly patches
• rash that appears in the knee or elbow creases or in other areas of the body
• darkening or lightening of skin near the rashes
• permanent goose bumps
• thickened skin that develops from chronic itching or rubbing

The exact cause of eczema is still unknown, but researchers have some ideas. According to the National Eczema Association, causes of eczema include:

• genetics, which may influence whether someone develops eczema as a child
• environmental factors, also known as triggers, like allergens, chemicals, or other stimuli that causes eczema to start or flare

Children or adults living with eczema may also have an overactive immune system. In this case, the immune system overreacts to a substance outside or inside the body, which results in inflammation.

Evidence suggests that people with eczema may have a mutation in the FLG gene that encodes a protein called filaggrin. Filaggrin helps create a protective barrier between the skin and the outside world. Without a sufficient barrier, your skin or your child’s skin can become dry and prone to infection.

Eczema does not have a cure, but you can take steps to help lessen the severity of symptoms and prevent flares for you or your child.

Medical treatments can involve both topical and systemic medications. During a flare, you can apply topical medications, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and steroids, directly to the affected skin.

Your doctor may also recommend phototherapy to topically treat eczema. Phototherapy involves using light to help reduce the severity of an eczema flare and help heal the skin.

A doctor may also recommend taking systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. Additionally, over 40 clinical trials are underway or in the process of getting approval, which means new medications may eventually become available that better treat eczema.

You or your child may also find some relief with complementary therapies. Some techniques include meditation, hypnosis, and biofeedback.

Some at-home treatments may also help improve flexural eczema symptoms. These include:

• oatmeal baths
• cool compresses
• petroleum jelly or other moisturizing cream or ointment
• finding distractions from the itch

Taking steps to avoid known triggers can help prevent flexural eczema flares. It is important to take time to set up a treatment plan for flexural eczema.

Several treatment options can help prevent flares. For example, systematic medications can have a preventive effect on flexural eczema. Keeping your or your child’s skin moisturized can also help prevent new flares from occurring.

Research shows that most children will “outgrow” eczema by the time they are adults. However, several factors can make lifelong eczema more likely. The following factors affect whether eczema will subside or go away completely over time:

• severity of the condition, as more severe cases are more likely to continue into adulthood
• time of onset, as eczema that appears later in life is more likely to last
• persistency of the condition

Flexural eczema is a type of eczema that appears around the creases of joints, often on the elbows and knees. It causes an itchy rash to form. Children may be more likely to develop flexural eczema, though it can occur in adults as well. If your child develops eczema, there is a chance that it will go away as they age.

There are many treatment options for eczema, like topical medications, systemic medications, and home remedies. Talk with your doctor about creating a treatment plan that is right for you or your child’s eczema.

Itching on the elbows: causes, treatment, diagnosis

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Itching on the elbows is not a disease, but a sign of a painful skin condition that has arisen as a manifestation of a genetic disease, pathologies of internal organs, skin infections, inflammation of the elbow joint.

To identify the causes of itching of the elbows, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary , who can differentiate the types of the disease using special skin tests and tests. Eliminating itching, as a symptom, will not solve the problem; it is necessary to treat a disease that manifests itself as a desire to comb the skin of the elbow.

Appointment for a consultation with a dermatologist by phone +7(495) 256-49-52 or by filling out the online form

Answers to frequently asked questions about itchy skin:

• Which doctor treats itchy skin?
• What organs are affected by itching?
• Why is itching dangerous?
• What tests should be done for pruritus?
• What is the diet for itchy skin?
• What diseases does pruritus speak of?
• Itching for no apparent reason?
• What parasites cause itching?
• What microorganisms cause pruritus?
• How to get rid of itchy skin?
• Is it necessary to isolate a patient with pruritus?
• Skin itching in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract?
• What are the main causes of pruritus?
• How to distinguish between allergic and parasitic pruritus?
• How to prepare for a dermatologist appointment?
• How to check for skin diseases?
• What diseases does a dermatologist treat?
• What tests should be done by a dermatologist?
• What diagnostics can a dermatologist perform at the clinic?
• Where to go with a skin disease?

Signs to see a doctor

Itching on the elbows, accompanied by:

• Skin redness
• Appearance of rash, abscesses, peeling on the skin
• Tumor formation
• Pain

Despite the fact that itching may not cause severe discomfort, it can be the first symptom of an infectious and inflammatory skin disease, an allergic reaction, skin infections, characterize inflammation of the elbow joint, which a dermatologist diagnoses.

Useful information on the topic of itchy skin:

• Dermatologist
• Itching in skin diseases
• Pruritus without skin manifestations
• Itching in the groin
• Itching on legs
• Itching on the hands
• Itching on the back
• Pruritus during pregnancy
• Pruritus in liver disease
• Pruritus in children
• Pruritus in the elderly
• Treatment of pruritus
• Nocturnal pruritus
• Causes of pruritus

Allergies that occur with itching on the elbows

• Atopic dermatitis develops due to local exposure to the skin of the elbow of a chemical or plant poison, or appear as a systemic reaction to foods, drugs, endogenous toxins. Itching in atopic dermatitis is always associated with the appearance of a rash on the skin.
• Eczema
  characterized by the appearance of itchy areas that differ from healthy skin by peeling, vesicles, resolved by the formation of crusts. These signs indicate an exacerbation of the disease, which affects large areas of the skin.
• Urticaria
  – This is a contact dermatitis that occurs suddenly with signs of severe itching and the appearance of small dot bubbles, resembling a nettle burn.

Infectious diseases

• Mycosis
  – This is a generalized process that has moved from a local stage (hair, fingers) to other areas of the skin, including the skin of the elbows. The disease is caused by a fungal infection and is characterized by severe itching, redness, and peeling of the surface of the skin of the elbow.
• Lichen planus is one of the causes of itchy elbows. Lichen has the shape of an oval, raised above the surface of the skin with an impression in the middle of the focus. The oval itself consists of many small elements – nodules. A feature of the flow of lichen is the appearance of a “mesh” when pathological areas are wetted with water.
• Scabies mite in the advanced stages of the disease can also affect the ulnar surface. It is characterized by unbearable itching on the elbows. In the focus of the disease, scabies are observed – gray stripes under the epithelium of the skin.

Methods for diagnosing skin diseases:

• Diagnosis of skin diseases
• Diagnosis of skin diseases at home
• Diagnosis of allergic skin diseases
• Diagnosis of bacterial skin diseases
• Diagnosis of viral skin diseases
• Diagnosis of hair diseases
• Diagnosis of nail diseases
• Diagnosis of neoplasms on the skin
• Skin scraping
• Blisters on the skin
• Dermoscopy
• Demodex tests
• Diagnosis of genital infections
• Fungal tests
• Skin scraping

Elbow joint disorders

Arthritis, bursitis, tendovaginitis – inflammatory diseases accompanied by itching on the elbows, affecting one or all structures of the joint. They can be complicated by purulent-inflammatory reactions – the formation of phlegmon and fistula.

Pathologies of internal organs

Liver diseases that occur with difficulty in the outflow of bile, kidney failure, pathologies of the parathyroid and thyroid glands, diabetes mellitus can cause generalized itching, including itching on the elbows.

Diagnostics

A certified dermatologist, focusing on the external signs of skin lesions, the results of skin tests and samples, can establish a diagnosis. Skin scraping tests confirm that the pathology belongs to one of the types of inflammation.

The modern level of medical care allows you to diagnose skin diseases without leaving your home. To do this, you can contact the clinic and call a dermatologist at home.

You can make an appointment with a dermatologist at one of the private clinics on the Vash Doctor Information Center website.

Publication date: 2018-0 2- 03

Common symptoms and manipulations in dermatology:

• Eruptions on the skin
• Dermatologist house call
• Itching in the urethra
• Pruritus
• Skin rash
• Prevention of casual sex
• Skin neoplasms
• Pyoderma
• Rosacea
• Streptoderma
• Scabies
• Skin peeling
• Fungal infections
• Skin infection
• Skin pus
• Blisters on the skin
• Papillomas on the foreskin
• Venereal diseases
• Structure of the skin

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

Abdullaev Arsen Mukhtarovich

Andrologist, Venereologist, Dermatologist, Urologist, Dermatovenereologist

Years of service: 36

54
recall

3.90
rating

Cost of admission – 2000 rubles.

Aircraft

Abramova Victoria Yurievna

Venereologist, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Dermatovenereologist

Years of service: 2

2
recall

4.20
rating

Cost of admission – 3000 rubles.

Mayakovskaya, Okhotny Ryad

Abramova Elena Viktorovna

Dermatologist, Cosmetologist

Years of service: 20

164
recall

5.00
rating

Cost of admission – 3350 rubles.

Kantemirovskaya, Kashirskaya

Abramyan Seda Samvelovna

Dermatologist, Cosmetologist

Years of service: 8

10
recall

4. 29
rating

Cost of admission – 2000 rubles.

Dostoevskaya, Maryina Roshcha

Avagyan Simona Araevna

Dermatologist, Cosmetologist

Years of service: 9

21
recall

4.34
rating

Cost of admission – 5000 rubles.

Bagrationovskaya, Exhibition

Avdalyan Ilona Veylandovna

Dermatologist, Cosmetologist

Years of service: 23

1
recall

4.61
rating

Cost of admission – 2500 rubles.

Kuznetsky Most, Okhotny Ryad

Avdeeva Vera Vladimirovna

Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist

Years of service: 12

3
recall

4.22
rating

Cost of admission – 3000 rubles.

Alekseevskaya, Rizhskaya

Avetisyan Karina Martikovna

Venereologist, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Dermatovenereologist

Years of service: 11

3
recall

4.33
rating

Cost of admission – 3450 rubles.

Avtozavodskaya, Dubrovka

Avin Marika

Venereologist, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, Oncodermatologist

Years of service: 8

35
recall

4.61
rating

Cost of admission – 2000 rubles.

Kaluga, Prospekt Vernadskogo

Agareva Oksana Alexandrovna

Venereologist, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, Dermatovenereologist

Years of service: 16

19
recall

4.69
rating

Cost of admission – 2100 rubles.

Water stadium, Voikovskaya

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Diseases

Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children

Atopic dermatitis (another name for this disease is eczema) is a skin disease that causes dryness, itching, peeling, redness of the skin. Atopic dermatitis affects both children and adults, it has a genetic predisposition, so members of the same family often get sick. Atopic dermatitis can be treated with moisturizers and some medicinal ointments.

Causes of atopic dermatitis

The cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood. Heredity appears to play an important role, and people with a family history of eczema have an increased risk of developing the disease. Most people with eczema have a genetic abnormality in the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis.

The epidermis is the first line of defense between the body and the environment. When the epidermis is intact, it prevents environmental irritants, allergens and microbes from entering the body and prevents the skin from losing too much water. In people with atopic dermatitis, this barrier is less strong and more permeable than it should be.

Despite popular belief, atopic dermatitis in children is rarely associated with food allergies.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Most people with atopic dermatitis show their first symptoms before the age of 5 years. Atopic dermatitis can look different in people of different ages:

• In children, atopic dermatitis is more likely to affect the front of the arms and legs, the cheeks, or the scalp (the diaper area is usually not affected)

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• In older children and adults, atopic dermatitis often affects the sides of the neck, the creases inside the elbow, and the back of the knees. In adults, the rash can be on the wrists, hands, forearms, and face. In some cases, over time, the skin at the sites of the lesions may become dark or thickened.

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Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis

There is no specific test (blood or other tests) to diagnose atopic dermatitis. The doctor establishes the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis on the basis of a survey and examination, in the presence of characteristic symptoms.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that has periods of exacerbations and improvement in skin condition. Some people may not experience exacerbations for several years.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be controlled with a variety of skin care measures and medications.

Several factors aggravate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and their management may help control the symptoms. Possible aggravating factors include:

• dry air,
• sweating,
• emotional stress,
• rapid temperature changes,
• Exposure to certain physical or chemical irritants, including soaps and detergents, perfumes and cosmetics, wool or synthetic fibres, dust, sand and cigarette smoke.

Maintain skin hydration

• Moisturizers (emollients) are creams and ointments that moisturize the skin and prevent it from drying out. The best moisturizers for people with atopic dermatitis are creams or ointments that contain little or no water (Vaseline is the easiest emollient).

Emollients are most effective when applied immediately after bathing. Emollients can be applied twice a day or more often if needed.

Lotions contain more water than creams and ointments and are less effective at moisturizing the skin.

• Bathing: Warm baths or showers can moisturize and cool the skin, temporarily relieving itchy eczema. Hot or long baths (more than 10-15 minutes) and showers should be avoided as they can dry out the skin.

Skin irritation treatment

Topical steroids – Your doctor may prescribe a steroid (also called a “corticosteroid”) cream or ointment if you have a flare-up of atopic dermatitis.

As your skin improves, you can switch to a moisturizer (emollient). Strong topical steroids may be prescribed for severe exacerbations of atopic dermatitis.