Atopic dermatitis

Alternative names:

atopic eczema; dermatitis - atopic; eczema; eczema - atopic; eczema - infantile; infantile eczema; neurodermatitis

Definition:

A skin disorder involving hypersensitivity (allergy - related) reaction within the skin characterized by inflammation, itching, and scaling. See also lichen simplex chronicus.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Atopic dermatitis can occur in an infantile (children) or adult form. It is most common in infants, and at least half of those cases clear up by age 18 months. There is often a family history of asthma, hay fever, eczema, psoriasis, or other allergy-related disorders. In adults, it is generally a chronic or reoccurring condition.

Neurodermatitis is a form of atopic dermatitis characterized by a self-perpetuating scratch-itch cycle. Although symptoms increase in times of stress, physiological changes in the nerve fibers are also present.

A hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Chronic irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery-textured, although this is more pronounced in the localized form, lichen simplex chronicus.

Exposure to environmental irritants can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, and stress.