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ATOPIC DERMATITIS

  • Aspiring Doctors
  • Aug 31, 2020
  • 4 min read

By Sabrina and Anushka


Eczema is one of the most prevalent skin conditions that plague millions of people worldwide and is a source of discomfort to many. In the United States alone, over 31 million people suffer from it. To clarify, eczema is an overarching category that encompasses skin conditions with similar symptoms of itchiness, inflammation and colouration of skin that can range from red to gray depending on the skin tone. However, each different type of eczema exhibits unique individual symptoms and are triggered by a variety of things.


WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?


Atopic dermatitis is one of seven different types of eczema in the world and one of the most common types out there. Atopic dermatitis, also known as AD, is a chronic skin condition that fluctuates in severity throughout the span of a lifetime. AD often occurs during the first few months of childhood and may improve or regress over time.


The overall number of cases of AD in America are as follows:


  • Adults: 16.5 million

  • Children: 9.6 million


There are a few telltale signs of AD but the principal sign is itchiness. More than 85% of people who suffer from AD have reported this symptom and experience it on a daily basis. Other symptoms include:


  • Dry skin

  • Red to purple colouration of the skin

  • Rashes that ooze fluid when scratched

  • Cracked sores on the body

  • Inflammation of the skin













Typically, AD affects places where there is a lot of frictional movement, for example, the backs of knees, the folds of one’s arms, the wrist, and the neck. Many patients experience flare-ups, which is usually provoked when the skin comes in contact with foreign chemicals or allergens, throughout their life. They can be caused by a multitude of factors or triggers including:


  • Stress

  • Changes in weather

  • Sleep deprivation

  • Cosmetic irritants like perfume or lotion


Flare-ups are the driving force behind the itch-scratch cycle. When the skin is exposed to a trigger, the itching becomes worse therefore people tend to scratch at it more. This only serves to irritate the already sensitive skin, thus creating a loop of flare-ups.


WHO CAN GET IT?

Although eczema has been around for quite a long time, scientists have so far been unable to denote the root of the cause. However, as the name “atopic dermatitis” indicates, there are a few key tidbits of information that can be gathered. “Dermatitis” means relating to the skin while “atopic” means having to do with an allergy. The name alone lends itself to the possible causes of AD. Researchers have found that the condition occurs due to a mixture of genes and environmental aspects. People with AD have a gene mutation in a protein called filaggrin that causes them to make less of that protein. Because filaggrin is vital in the preservation of water and structure of the outermost layer of skin, without it, people with AD have hypersensitive skin that is prone to becoming inflamed and itchy. There have been studies conducted that point to a relation between atopic dermatitis and other allergy-related conditions, specifically hay fever and asthma. These three conditions occur so frequently together in a single person that they are called the atopic triad. Atrophy is the tendency to develop these three atopic diseases and is caused by how overactive the immune system reacts when encountered with allergens. More than 80% of children who have AD also have some form of allergies or asthma. Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not contagious so one cannot transmit it through any contact.


WHAT CAN BE DONE?


Unfortunately, there is no current cure for AD or any type of eczema for that matter. However, many remedies can be made at home and medicine can be prescribed to counteract the symptoms. Like all types of eczema that come with the ever-constant and pervasive state of itchiness, atopic dermatitis is no different. The best plan of action is to reduce the scratching as much as possible to prevent extra stress on the already sensitive skin. From medication to different types of therapy to proper skincare, atopic dermatitis can be managed in a variety of ways. A simple plan of ensuring that moisture is maintained in the skin can help counteract inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent allergens from having huge effects. Although in serious AD cases, stronger methods of breaking the itching and scratching cycle is implemented, such as the usage of steroids. However, self-care is significant in reining the severity of the symptoms. Having a good night’s sleep, a healthy diet, or regular moisturizing can make a considerable impact in a short amount of time.


WHAT LIVING WITH IT IS LIKE:


The extreme itchiness and inflammation of the skin is not the only part of people’s lives who have atopic dermatitis. Many people who have AD also suffer from depression, sleep deprivation, low self-esteem, and anxiety among many things. According to Tanya, a woman in Canada who has atopic dermatitis, her battle with AD has been “quite traumatizing - the lack of sleep, the emotional turmoil and what I like to call psychological warfare eventually takes a toll.” Many people are also unable to continue pursuing their interests due to it. Sarah who is another woman in Canada suffering from AD says that “one of the reasons I stopped playing soccer was because of eczema. I couldn’t get it under control.” Furthermore, AD doesn’t just bring upon physical discomfort but also psychological discomfort. Many people with AD or close associates of those stricken with AD are riddled with guilt and uncertainty. Parents feel that they are responsible for their child conceiving AD. Patients feel stressed that their eczema is the source of their parent’s worry.




 

Bibliography


Baird, Megan. “What Is Atopic Dermatitis?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 June 2017, www.healthline.com/health/atopic-dermatitis/what-is-atopic-dermatitis.


Cole, Gary W. “Atopic Dermatitis: Eczema, Causes, Treatment, Symptoms & Pictures.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 31 Oct. 2019, www.medicinenet.com/atopic_dermatitis/article.htm

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“Living with Atopic Dermatitis.” Atopic Dermatitis Revealed, 2018, www.atopicdermatitisrevealed.ca/living-with-atopic-dermatitis.


“Types of Eczema.” National Eczema Association, nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/.


“What Is Atopic Dermatitis and How Can I Tell If I Have It?” National Eczema Association, nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/.





 
 
 

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