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
- bronchial asthma,
- allergic rhinitis &
- atopic dermatitis.
A. Infantile atopic dermatitis—
Usually starts at or after 3 month of age.
SYMPTOMS—
- Severe itching
- Erythema
- Edema
- Papulovesicular
- 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
- The cubital & popliteal fossae
- Sides of the neck
- Wrists
- 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