What are the main symptoms of flexural eczema. How can you manage flare-ups effectively. What treatment options are available for this skin condition. Is it possible to prevent flexural eczema outbreaks.

Understanding Flexural Eczema: A Common Skin Condition

Flexural eczema, a specific type of atopic dermatitis, is characterized by irritated, red, and itchy skin that appears around the creases of joints. This chronic condition primarily affects the elbows and knees but can also occur at the ankles, wrists, and neck. While it can develop at any age, flexural eczema is most commonly observed in late childhood and adulthood.

Why does flexural eczema occur in these specific areas? The creases of joints are prone to moisture buildup and friction, creating an environment conducive to eczema flare-ups. Additionally, these areas are often subject to frequent movement and bending, which can exacerbate symptoms and make the condition more challenging to manage.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Flexural Eczema

Identifying flexural eczema early is crucial for effective management. The primary symptoms include:

• Red, irritated patches of skin near joints
• Intense itching, often leading to scratching
• Scaly or dry skin in affected areas
• Possible darkening or lightening of the skin
• Thickened skin due to chronic scratching

Can flexural eczema symptoms vary with age? Indeed, the presentation of eczema can differ depending on the individual’s age. Infants typically experience eczema on the face, scalp, and extensors, while children between 2 years old and adolescence are more likely to develop the characteristic rash around the elbow and knee creases.

Unraveling the Causes of Flexural Eczema

While the exact cause of flexural eczema remains unknown, researchers have identified several contributing factors:

1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers (allergens, chemicals, irritants)
3. Overactive immune system
4. Mutation in the FLG gene affecting skin barrier function

How does genetics play a role in flexural eczema? Studies suggest that individuals with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to develop the condition. The FLG gene mutation, in particular, affects the production of filaggrin, a protein crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. This genetic factor may explain why some people are more susceptible to eczema than others.

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:

Medical Treatments

• Topical medications (calcineurin inhibitors, steroids)
• Phototherapy
• Systemic medications (methotrexate, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil)

Complementary Therapies

• Meditation
• Hypnosis
• Biofeedback

At-Home Remedies

• Oatmeal baths
• Cool compresses
• Moisturizing creams or ointments
• Distraction techniques to avoid scratching

Are there any emerging treatments for flexural eczema? Over 40 clinical trials are currently underway or in the approval process, indicating the potential for new and more effective medications in the future. These ongoing studies focus on targeted therapies that aim to address the underlying mechanisms of eczema, potentially offering more personalized treatment options.

Preventing Flexural Eczema Flare-Ups

Prevention is key in managing flexural eczema. Here are some strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups:

• Identify and avoid triggers
• Maintain a consistent skincare routine
• Use gentle, fragrance-free products
• Keep skin moisturized
• Wear breathable, non-irritating fabrics
• Manage stress levels

How can you identify eczema triggers? Keeping a detailed diary of activities, diet, and environmental factors can help pinpoint potential triggers. Common culprits include certain foods, stress, sweat, and exposure to irritants or allergens. Once identified, taking steps to avoid these triggers can significantly reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

The Long-Term Outlook for Flexural Eczema

Many individuals with flexural eczema wonder about the condition’s long-term prognosis. While research shows that most children “outgrow” eczema by adulthood, several factors can influence its persistence:

• Severity of the condition
• Age of onset
• Persistence of symptoms

Is it possible for flexural eczema to continue into adulthood? While many cases of childhood eczema resolve over time, more severe cases or those that develop later in life are more likely to persist into adulthood. However, even in these cases, proper management and treatment can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptom severity.

Living with Flexural Eczema: Coping Strategies and Support

Managing flexural eczema extends beyond medical treatments. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition. Consider the following approaches:

• Join support groups or online communities
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Educate friends and family about the condition
• Work with a dermatologist to develop a personalized management plan
• Explore cognitive-behavioral therapy to address psychological impacts

How can cognitive-behavioral therapy help with flexural eczema? This therapeutic approach can be particularly beneficial in managing the psychological aspects of living with a chronic skin condition. It can help individuals develop healthier thought patterns, reduce stress-related flare-ups, and improve overall well-being.

The Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Flexural Eczema

While the relationship between diet and eczema is complex and varies among individuals, some research suggests that certain dietary changes may help manage symptoms:

• Identifying and eliminating food triggers
• Increasing intake of anti-inflammatory foods
• Considering probiotics and prebiotics
• Ensuring adequate hydration
• Exploring potential benefits of specific supplements (under medical supervision)

Can probiotics help with flexural eczema? Some studies indicate that probiotics may help reduce eczema severity, particularly in children. These beneficial bacteria may support immune system function and improve skin barrier health. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness in treating flexural eczema.

Potential Food Triggers to Watch For

While food triggers can vary widely between individuals, some common culprits include:

• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Soy products
• Wheat and gluten
• Citrus fruits

It’s important to note that eliminating foods should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure nutritional needs are still met.

Innovations in Flexural Eczema Research and Treatment

The field of eczema research is rapidly evolving, with new discoveries and treatment approaches emerging regularly. Some exciting areas of development include:

• Targeted biologics and small molecule inhibitors
• Microbiome-based therapies
• Advanced skin barrier repair techniques
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Novel delivery systems for topical medications

How might microbiome-based therapies benefit flexural eczema patients? Research has shown that individuals with eczema often have an imbalance in their skin microbiome. Therapies aimed at restoring a healthy balance of skin bacteria could potentially reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. These treatments may include topical applications of beneficial bacteria or substances that promote their growth.

The Promise of Personalized Medicine

As our understanding of the genetic and immunological factors underlying flexural eczema grows, so does the potential for personalized treatment approaches. This may involve:

• Genetic testing to identify specific mutations
• Tailored treatment plans based on individual immune profiles
• Customized skincare regimens
• Precision medicine approaches targeting specific inflammatory pathways

These advancements hold the promise of more effective, targeted treatments with fewer side effects.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Flexural Eczema

Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering and exacerbating flexural eczema. Understanding and managing these factors can be crucial for symptom control:

• Climate and weather conditions
• Air quality and pollution
• Household allergens and irritants
• Occupational exposures
• Clothing and fabric choices

How does climate affect flexural eczema? Climate can significantly impact eczema symptoms. Cold, dry weather can lead to skin dryness and increased itching, while hot, humid conditions may cause sweating and skin irritation. Understanding how different climates affect your skin can help in developing effective management strategies.

Creating an Eczema-Friendly Home Environment

Making certain adjustments to your home environment can help reduce eczema flare-ups:

• Use a humidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity
• Choose hypoallergenic bedding and cleaning products
• Regularly vacuum and dust to reduce allergens
• Keep indoor temperature cool and consistent
• Use air purifiers to remove airborne irritants

These changes can create a more comfortable living space and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of flexural eczema symptoms.

The Psychological Impact of Flexural Eczema

Living with flexural eczema can have significant psychological effects, particularly when the condition is visible or severe. Common psychological challenges include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Social isolation
• Sleep disturbances due to itching
• Stress, which can further exacerbate symptoms

How can individuals cope with the emotional toll of flexural eczema? Seeking support from mental health professionals, joining support groups, and practicing stress-management techniques can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices have shown promise in helping individuals manage the psychological impact of chronic skin conditions.

Building Resilience and Self-Acceptance

Developing a positive attitude and building resilience can greatly improve quality of life for those with flexural eczema. Strategies may include:

• Focusing on self-care and overall well-being
• Cultivating hobbies and interests unrelated to skin condition
• Practicing positive self-talk and affirmations
• Educating others about the condition to increase understanding
• Celebrating small victories in managing symptoms

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of flexural eczema, individuals can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by the condition.

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.