What are the main symptoms of flexural eczema. How can you effectively manage and treat flexural eczema. What causes flexural eczema to develop and flare up. Is flexural eczema a lifelong condition or can it be outgrown.

Understanding Flexural Eczema: A Comprehensive Overview

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

Key Characteristics of Flexural Eczema

• Appears in joint creases
• Causes red, irritated, and itchy skin patches
• Chronic condition with periods of flare-ups and remission
• Can affect both children and adults

Recognizing the Symptoms of Flexural Eczema

Identifying the symptoms of flexural eczema is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. The condition typically begins with itchy skin, which, when scratched, develops into a characteristic rash. The appearance and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the age of the affected individual.

Flexural Eczema Symptoms in Children

Children between the ages of 2 and adolescence often experience the following symptoms:

• Itchy, scaly patches in elbow and knee creases
• Rash extending to the neck, wrists, and ankles
• Skin darkening or lightening near the rashes
• Permanent goose bumps
• Thickened skin due to chronic itching or rubbing

Is flexural eczema different in adults? While the condition can persist into adulthood, the presentation may differ. Adults might experience more severe and widespread symptoms, with the rash potentially appearing on other body parts beyond the joint creases.

Unraveling the Causes of Flexural Eczema

The exact cause of flexural eczema remains elusive, but researchers have identified several contributing factors. Understanding these potential causes can help in managing and preventing flare-ups.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of flexural eczema. Evidence suggests that individuals with a mutation in the FLG gene, which encodes the protein filaggrin, may be more susceptible to the condition. Filaggrin is crucial for creating a protective barrier between the skin and the environment. A deficiency in this protein can lead to dry skin that’s prone to infection and inflammation.

Environmental Triggers

Various environmental factors can trigger flexural eczema flare-ups or exacerbate existing symptoms. These may include:

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

Immune System Dysfunction

An overactive immune system may contribute to the development of flexural eczema. In such cases, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, leading to inflammation and skin irritation.

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 treatment plan often involves a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle modifications.

Medical Treatments

1. Topical medications:
   • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
   • Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) to modulate the immune response
2. Systemic medications:
   • Methotrexate
   • Cyclosporine
   • Mycophenolate mofetil
3. Phototherapy: Using light to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing

How effective are these medical treatments? While individual responses may vary, many patients experience significant relief from symptoms and reduced frequency of flare-ups with proper medical management.

Complementary Therapies

Some individuals find relief through complementary therapies such as:

• Meditation
• Hypnosis
• Biofeedback

These techniques may help manage stress and reduce the urge to scratch, which can exacerbate symptoms.

At-Home Treatments

Several at-home remedies can provide relief from flexural eczema symptoms:

• Oatmeal baths to soothe irritated skin
• Cool compresses to reduce itching and inflammation
• Regular application of moisturizing creams or ointments
• Using distraction techniques to avoid scratching

Preventing Flexural Eczema Flare-Ups

Prevention is a crucial aspect of managing flexural eczema. By identifying and avoiding triggers, individuals can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Trigger Avoidance

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is essential. Common triggers to watch out for include:

• Certain fabrics (e.g., wool, synthetic materials)
• Harsh soaps and detergents
• Extreme temperatures
• Stress
• Specific foods (in cases of food allergies)

Skin Care Routine

Maintaining a proper skin care routine can help prevent flare-ups:

1. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
2. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing
3. Keep nails short to minimize skin damage from scratching
4. Wear soft, breathable clothing

How often should moisturizer be applied? For optimal results, apply moisturizer at least twice daily, focusing on the affected areas and immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp.

The Prognosis of Flexural Eczema: Can It Be Outgrown?

Many parents of children with flexural eczema wonder if the condition will persist into adulthood. While research shows that most children “outgrow” eczema by adulthood, several factors influence the likelihood of lifelong eczema.

Factors Affecting Prognosis

• Severity of the condition: More severe cases are more likely to continue into adulthood
• Age of onset: Eczema that appears later in life is more likely to persist
• Persistence of symptoms: Continuous symptoms throughout childhood may indicate a higher likelihood of lifelong eczema

Can adults develop flexural eczema for the first time? Yes, while less common, it’s possible for adults to develop flexural eczema without having experienced it in childhood. This late-onset eczema may be more likely to persist throughout life.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Flexural Eczema

The field of eczema research is rapidly evolving, with numerous clinical trials underway to develop new and more effective treatments. These advancements offer hope for individuals struggling with persistent or severe flexural eczema.

Promising Areas of Research

• Biologics: Targeted therapies that modulate specific components of the immune system
• Microbiome-based treatments: Therapies aimed at restoring balance to the skin’s microbiome
• Gene therapy: Potential treatments targeting the genetic factors contributing to eczema

What is the potential impact of these emerging treatments? These new therapies could potentially offer more targeted and effective relief from flexural eczema symptoms, with fewer side effects compared to current treatments.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

Over 40 clinical trials are currently in progress or awaiting approval, focusing on various aspects of eczema treatment. These trials investigate:

• Novel topical medications
• Systemic treatments with improved efficacy and safety profiles
• Combination therapies for enhanced symptom management

How can patients stay informed about new treatment options? Regularly consulting with a dermatologist and following reputable eczema research organizations can help patients stay up-to-date on the latest developments in flexural eczema treatment.

Living with Flexural Eczema: Coping Strategies and Support

Managing flexural eczema extends beyond medical treatments. Developing effective coping strategies and seeking support can significantly improve quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition.

Psychological Impact

Flexural eczema can have a considerable psychological impact, potentially leading to:

• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Social withdrawal
• Sleep disturbances due to itching

How can individuals address the psychological aspects of living with flexural eczema? Seeking support from mental health professionals, joining support groups, and practicing stress-management techniques can be beneficial in coping with the emotional challenges of the condition.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage flexural eczema more effectively:

1. Adapting clothing choices to avoid irritating fabrics
2. Modifying exercise routines to prevent excessive sweating in affected areas
3. Creating a sleep environment that minimizes nighttime itching
4. Developing strategies to manage stress and anxiety

Building a Support Network

A strong support network can make a significant difference in managing flexural eczema. This network may include:

• Family and friends who understand the condition
• Healthcare providers specializing in eczema management
• Support groups (online or in-person) for individuals with eczema
• Educational resources from reputable eczema organizations

What role do support groups play in managing flexural eczema? Support groups provide a platform for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support, which can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of living with a chronic skin condition.

In conclusion, flexural eczema is a complex and chronic skin condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. By understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, adhering to treatment plans, and implementing preventive measures, individuals with flexural eczema can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life. As research continues to advance, new treatment options offer hope for even better outcomes in the future. With proper care, support, and lifestyle adjustments, those living with flexural eczema can lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their symptoms.

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.