Atopic dermatitis or otherwise atopic or infant eczema is a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease that appears mainly in childhood and is characterized by periods of exacerbations and remissions.
The disease manifests itself with repeated skin inflammations and severe itching and is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission (during which the skin appears normal). The intense itching can cause secondary infections by bacteria or fungi, which try to invade the injured, through the scratching, skin. Atopic dermatitis can manifest on any area of [...]
The exact causes of the disease are not fully understood, but it became well known that chronic atopic dermatitis is a combination of interactions between : Distorted operation of the skin barrier Immunological factors Environmental factors Genetic predisposition Further there are some allergizing agents which affect a flare of the disease such as: Woolen clothes [...]
The atopic dermatitis treatment aims first on the rehydration of the skin with moisturisers to prevent dry skin, which is responsible for the intense itching. Then medication is administered, under the guidance of a dermatologist, e.g. antihistamines to control itching, antibiotics to fight secondary infections, and local corticosteroids ( in the form of cream or [...]
A controlled atopic dermatitis through proper daily moisturizing care and appropriate treatment during the exacerbations is not a life threatening disease. It can affect negatively the quality of life because of the itching and the rash but in no case is life threatening.
