What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that results in itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin. Often appearing during childhood, it can persist into adulthood or start later in life. Atopic Dermatitis is part of what’s known as the atopic triad (which includes asthma and allergic rhinitis), and is known for its cycles of flare-ups and remissions.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
The manifestations of Atopic Dermatitis can vary significantly from person to person but typically include:
- Itchy Skin: Often severe and generally worse at night.
- Red to Brownish-Gray Patches: Commonly found on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp.
- Small, Raised Bumps: Which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
- Thickened, Cracked, Scaly Skin: From prolonged scratching.
- Raw, Sensitive, Swollen Skin: From scratching or exposure to irritants.