atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Most commonly referred to as eczema, atopic dermatitis is a hereditary, chronic skin condition. While it often develops later in life, it usually appears as a rash on the cheeks of infants. The first sign of the condition may be itching. The back of the neck and the bends of the elbows and knees tend to be most affected. Infants and younger children are more apt to have a rash on the bony parts of the joints. A mild redness or shedding of the skin may be present initially, as well. The most common appearance of the rash is thickening of the skin or lichenification. Pigmented skin will also get darker as a result of scratching.

The rash can be triggered by food, pollen, environmental conditions, fabrics (wool should be avoided) and stress. Some individuals may only have an outbreak at certain times of the year, while others might have symptoms in specific body regions. When someone who’s affected by eczema has discovered which triggers are most likely to lead to an outbreak, avoidance is the best treatment.

Additionally, people are encouraged to use corticosteroids. These are derivatives of cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands of the body. Hydrocortisone is the mildest corticosteroid. Helpful for mild cases, it can be purchased over-the-counter in .5 percent and 1 percent strengths. Hydrocortisone also comes in 2.5 percent prescription strength. Stronger external corticosteroid preparations may be necessary depending on the severity of the condition. In the most severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be required for short periods of time.

Next Month: Acne Dr. Wilborn is an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and a member of the advisory board of the Circumscribed Cicatricial Alopecia Foundation. He has been in private practice for 37 years. Visit the DPL web site at www.dplproducts.com.