Related articles: Atopic dermatitis
Definition
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory disease of the skin. This is the cutaneous expression of atopy: it therefore affects people with excessively reactive skin against various stimuli. In the onset of atopic dermatitis, genetic and environmental factors are involved, which alter the skin barrier modifying the metabolism of the lipids found in the epidermis. As a result, the skin of the face and body becomes dry, rough, itchy and irritable. To this predisposition, an immuno-mediated component is added: subjects with atopic dermatitis present an exaggerated reaction of the body's defense system towards some external irritants. These penetrate more easily into the skin and give rise to cutaneous (or respiratory) manifestations. To make matters worse, other external agents are involved such as: allergens (dust mites, pollen and / or dust), emotional stress, pollution, smoke, dry air, sweating, wool or synthetic fabrics, soaps and aggressive detergents.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Keratosis pilare
- Conjunctivitis
- Eosinophilia
- Erythema
- Insomnia
- Dry skin
- itch
- Leg itch
- Itching in the hands
- Itching in the head
- Cold
- Ragadi Dita
- Follows in Feet
- Rhagades in the Hands
- Scales on the skin
- Cracked Heels
- Coarse and opaque nails
Further indications
Atopic dermatitis manifests itself with areas of dry, reddened skin, very itchy, prone to flaking and cracking. The skin lesions range from mild erythema to severe lichenification (skin thickening with accentuation of the normal skin texture; it derives from repeated rubbing). Children and newborns are the most affected subjects, but atopic dermatitis can occur in people of all ages. The most affected part of the body is the face, along with the hands, the flexor folds of the elbows and the knees. In adults, however, the disorder mainly affects the perioral area (around the mouth), the eyelids and the back of the hands.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by a chronic-relapsing pattern, whereby periods of remission alternate with acute phases. The disease predisposes to other reactive-allergic problems affecting various organs and systems, such as food allergies, asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis. For continuous scratching, secondary bacterial infections are frequent, especially from staphylococcus and streptococcus.
The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis requires personal or family history of atopy and observation of symptoms and signs during physical examination. Allergological examinations are also useful in cases where food, inhaler or contact allergens play a significant role in triggering dermatitis.
The treatment involves the hydration of the skin, the control of the triggering factors and the use of topical and immunomodulatory corticosteroids. Immersion in sea water and exposure to the sun improve the disturbance. Atopic dermatitis over time can resolve spontaneously; often, it disappears around the age of 30 years.
