Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & Treatment | Diseases List A-Z

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of dermatitis (eczema) that occurs due to inflammation of the skin .

This condition can be accompanied by red, dry, and cracked skin. Inflammation usually lasts a long time, even for years.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Each sufferer can experience different symptoms depending on age. Here are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis according to age classification:

1. In babies 

In babies aged 0-2 years, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis can generally be:

• Red and itchy rash on the skin.
• Dry and scaly skin.
• Changes in skin folds.
• Inflammation that causes intense itching.
• Skin infections that cause wounds and pus.

2. In toddlers

In toddlers, atopic dermatitis can cause symptoms such as:

• Scaly skin.
• Reddish skin.
• Crusts on the cheeks, scalp, hands, and feet.

3. In adolescents and adults (12 years and older)

While in children and adults, the symptoms of atopic eczema that often appear are red rashes and feel very itchy in the back of the neck, knees, and elbows. Other symptoms can include:

• Itchy and dry skin.
• Rash in skin folds.
• Thick, dark skin changes (lichenification).
• Inflammation and abrasions.
• Exacerbation with stress.

4. General symptoms (for all ages)

Apart from these symptoms, sufferers can also experience other symptoms, such as:

• A rash that is raised and oozing fluid.
• Dry and scaly skin.
• The skin on the palms of the hands or under the eyes is wrinkled or creases.
• The skin around the eyes is darker.
• The skin cracks, peels, and bleeds.

The itching that occurs due to atopic dermatitis is usually worse at night. In addition, the skin will become thicker, develop pits or holes, and darken if scratched. Continuously scratching the affected skin area can also trigger infection.

Healthy Food Recommendations for Atopic Dermatitis Sufferers

1. Foods rich in omega-3 to help reduce inflammation.
2. Probiotics such as yogurt and kefir to reduce skin inflammation.
3. Foods rich in antioxidants such as brightly colored vegetables and fruits to repair irritated skin and maintain skin health.
4. Foods with vitamin D such as eggs, fish, and milk which can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.
5. Foods with iron and zinc such as red meat and nuts to support skin healing and increase endurance.

Causes of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic skin problem and is often reactive to certain allergens or irritants.

Unfortunately, the cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood.

However, several factors may play a role in the development of this condition, including:

• Genetic factors: Genetic predisposition plays a major role in atopic dermatitis. If one or both parents have a history of atopic dermatitis, the child is at higher risk of developing the condition.
• Disorders of the immune system: In people with atopic dermatitis, the immune system tends to overreact to certain substances, causing inflammation of the skin.
• Hyperactivity of skin cells: People with atopic dermatitis may have more sensitive skin cells and tend to become inflamed more easily than others.
• Environmental factors: Several environmental factors can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis. These include exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, air pollution, and irritants such as harsh soaps and detergents.
• Disruption of the skin barrier: In people with atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier function may be impaired. This can lead to loss of moisture from the skin and allow the entry of irritants or allergens.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as during adolescence or pregnancy, can affect the condition of atopic dermatitis.

It is important to remember that, each person can have different factors in developing atopic dermatitis.

Understanding these factors can help in managing and treating the condition.

Risk Factors

There are many factors that increase a person’s risk of developing atopic dermatitis, namely:

• Personal or family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma.
• Environmental exposure. Very dry or very humid air can worsen skin conditions in people with atopic dermatitis.
• An overly sensitive or overactive immune system can overreact to irritants or allergens.
• Skin infections. Such as bacterial or viral infections.
• Emotional stress. Stress can be a trigger for some people with atopic dermatitis.

Meanwhile, factors that increase the risk in children include:

• Living in an urban area.
• Often left in child care.
• Have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

The diagnostic steps for atopic dermatitis usually involve an evaluation by a health professional, such as a dermatologist.

Here are some steps that may be taken in the process of diagnosing atopic dermatitis:

1. Medical interview regarding medical history and symptoms

• The doctor will ask for the patient’s medical history, including a family history of skin conditions.
• Identification and description of symptoms experienced by the patient, such as itching, redness, and skin inflammation.

2. Physical examination:

• A physical examination will be performed to assess the skin condition directly.
• The doctor will look for typical signs of atopic dermatitis, such as redness, dry skin, rashes, and blisters.

3. Diagnostic criteria

Your doctor will likely use diagnostic criteria, such as those established by the American Academy of Dermatology, to determine whether your symptoms and physical findings are consistent with atopic dermatitis.

4. Monitoring the development of symptoms

The doctor may ask the patient to record the development of their skin symptoms, including triggers that may worsen the condition.

5. Elimination of allergens or other irritants

If necessary, your doctor may recommend eliminating or reducing exposure to certain allergens or irritants to see if that improves the condition.

6. Additional tests

Although not always necessary, additional tests may be performed to identify triggers or other conditions that may be affecting the skin.

Examples of such tests include skin allergy tests (patch tests) or blood tests to measure levels of certain antibodies.

Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis can cause several complications, including:

• Sleep problems. The itch-scratch cycle can lead to poor sleep quality.
• Asthma and hay fever. More than half of young children with atopic dermatitis have asthma and hay fever by age 13.
• Chronic itching and scaly skin. A skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) begins with itchy patches of skin. Scratching the area only makes it itchier. The condition can cause the affected skin to become discolored, thick and rough.
• Skin infections. Repeated scratching that damages the skin can cause open sores and cracks. This increases the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses, including the herpes simplex virus.
• Irritant hand dermatitis. Primarily affects people whose jobs require their hands to be frequently wet and exposed to harsh soaps, detergents, and disinfectants.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is common in people with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Treatment of atopic dermatitis is done to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and prevent recurrence in the future. How is atopic dermatitis skin care?

1. Bathing care

• Take a bath 1–2 times a day using lukewarm water (temperature 36–37 degrees Celsius).
• The bath time is approximately 10–15 minutes.
• Use soap that contains moisturizers, pH of 5.5–6, does not contain dyes and fragrances.
• Avoid irritants when bathing, such as antiseptic soap.

2. Post-bath care

• After bathing (within 3 minutes of bathing), immediately apply a special ointment or moisturizer to all skin except the scalp.
• How to apply: use hands and apply thinly over the entire surface of the skin except the scalp. If the skin is exposed to water or other substances within less than 5 minutes after application, the procedure is repeated.

3. Other skin care

• Wear light, soft, smooth, and sweat-absorbent clothing.
• Avoid irritants, such as detergents, liquid dish soaps, and disinfectants when washing baby clothes.
• Avoid allergen triggers, such as house dust mites, pets, and pollen.
• Keep the temperature of the room where the baby is so that it is not extreme, for example, too hot or too cold.

Recommended Atopic Dermatitis Medication

There are several recommended medications to treat atopic dermatitis, including:

• Topicare + Ceramide Soothing Cream 100 g. A cream that can be used to reduce itching on dry skin, irritation, and itching on dry skin, sensitive skin, and infected skin.
• Apolar 0.5 mg/g Cream 10 g. Contains desonide to treat skin inflammation due to contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
• Noroid Derma Rash Cream 60 ml . It is a cream that can be used to help cool the skin, moisturize, and improve the skin’s defense function in conditions of atopic dermatitis, dry skin, and sensitive skin.
• Cinogenta Cream 10 g. Corticosteroid medication to treat inflammation and itching in dermatosis. Examples include atopic dermatitis infection, seborrheic dermatitis, localized neurodermatitis, and anogenital pruritus.
• Elox 0.1% Cream 10 g. Cream containing 0.1% mometasone furoate to treat eczema conditions that trigger swelling and redness of the skin, psoriasis, allergies, and rashes.

Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis

The main way to prevent atopic dermatitis from recurring is to avoid the triggers. For example, if the trigger is milk, avoid all foods and drinks containing milk.

Additionally, doing the following things may also help:

• Clean your bedding regularly. Change your sheets and pillow cases at least once every 2 weeks.
• Use a blanket when sleeping, especially if you can’t stand the cold.
• Clean the house regularly.
• Use a moisturizer to help maintain skin moisture and prevent dry skin which can worsen atopic dermatitis.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleanser to avoid irritating your skin.
• Stress can worsen dermatitis symptoms, so it is important to manage stress well. For example, with relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
• Avoid consuming foods that can trigger symptoms.