Atopic Dermatitis

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Atopic dermatosis is a chronic, relapsing pruritic skin disorder of unknown etiology, associated with personal & family history of atopy.

Pruritis is the main characteristic with symmetrical distribution of lesions.

It predisposes an individual to a triod of disorders i;e

  1. bronchial asthma,
  2. allergic rhinitis &
  3. atopic dermatitis.

A. Infantile atopic dermatitis—

Usually starts at or after 3 month of age.

                            SYMPTOMS—

  1. Severe itching
  2. Erythema
  3. Edema
  4. Papulovesicular
  5. Exudative lesions

on the face , scalp and extensor aspects of the lower limb. In severe cases upper limb as well as trunk are also affected.

TREATMENT—

In over 90% of cases the disease subsides by the age of 18 months.

B.  Childhood atopic dermatitis—

 SYMPTOMS—

Itchy popular lesions in

  1. The cubital & popliteal fossae
  2. Sides of the neck
  3. Wrists
  4. Ankles

TREATMENT—

It may remit or continue on to the adult phase at the age of puberty.

C. Adult atopic dermatitis-

Distribution of lesions is same as in childhood but there is a marked tendency to lichenification and generalization.

COMPLICATIONS—

Secondary bacterial and viral infections ( eczema herpeticum, eczema vaccinatum)

TREATMENT—

  • Avoiding contact with irritants—Wool & Synthetic Clothes
  • Controlling extremes of temperature
  • Minimizing use of soaps & detergents.
  • Emollients and mild potency topical steroids.
  • Systemic antibiotics in exudative lesions 
  • Antihistamines
  • Topical immuno-suppressants

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