Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.
Atopic dermatitis usually starts in infancy or childhood and may persist into adulthood, although it can also develop for the first time in adulthood. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
People with atopic dermatitis often have a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever. The condition may be triggered or worsened by factors such as stress, heat, sweat, exposure to certain chemicals or fabrics, and infections.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary from mild to severe and may include:
Treatment for atopic dermatitis may involve a combination of medications, such as topical corticosteroids, and lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers, using gentle skin care products, and keeping the skin well-moisturized. In severe cases, phototherapy or systemic medications may be necessary. While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, it can often be managed effectively with appropriate treatment and self-care measures.
Eczema is a broader term that refers to a group of skin conditions characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a specific type of eczema that is chronic and often associated with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
In other words, atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, but not all eczema is atopic dermatitis. There are other types of eczema, such as contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic dermatitis, that have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Atopic dermatitis is often distinguished from other types of eczema by the specific pattern of skin involvement, which typically affects the face, neck, and creases of the elbows and knees in infants and children, and the hands, feet, and flexural areas in adults. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are also characterized by intense itching, redness, and a tendency to recur or persist over time.
Overall, while eczema and atopic dermatitis share some similarities in terms of their symptoms and treatments, they are different conditions with distinct underlying causes and clinical features.
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic or irritant reaction. The reaction may range from mild redness and itching to severe blistering and oozing of the skin.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis:
This occurs when the immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless, such as nickel, latex, or certain fragrances. The immune system identifies the substance as foreign and releases chemicals that cause an allergic reaction in the skin.
Irritant contact dermatitis:
This occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance that is irritating, such as harsh chemicals, soaps, detergents, or solvents. The irritant damages the outer layer of the skin, leading to inflammation and a rash.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis may include:
Treatment for contact dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding the triggering substance and treating the symptoms with topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or other medications. In severe cases, systemic medications or phototherapy may be necessary. Preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using gentle skin care products, can also help prevent contact dermatitis.
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