Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that causes redness, swelling and itching. It is more common in children, but can develop at any age. It is a chronic disease with periods of exacerbation and remission of variable duration. Sufferers may also have seasonal allergies or asthma.

Atopic dermatitis occurs in people whose skin does not have the ability to provide adequate protection against external agents, usually due to genetic causes. In these people, the skin is affected by various environmental factors, irritants and allergens.

The main risk factor associated with atopic dermatitis is a family or personal history of eczema, allergy, allergic rhinitis or asthma. In genetically predisposed individuals, there are a number of triggers for dermatitis:

• Stress, which can cause an altered immune response.
• Allergens, both food and airborne allergens.
• Skin irritants, clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers, hot water or certain soaps and detergents.
• Some microorganisms, especially S. aureus, a common colonizer of the skin of people with atopic dermatitis.