Atopic Dermatitis Eczema – Symptoms and Causes
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition. It causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, and it frequently appears in children. However, it can affect people of any age.
This non-contagious condition typically follows a pattern of flare-ups and remissions.
People with atopic dermatitis have a higher risk of developing related conditions, including:
- Food allergies
- Hay fever
- Asthma
Regular moisturizing and proper skin care routines help manage symptoms and prevent flares. Treatment options often include medicated creams and ointments to reduce inflammation and itching.
Signs and Symptoms
Eczema symptoms may show up on any part of the body and look different for each person. Common symptoms include:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Intense itching
- Swollen skin with a rash (color varies based on skin tone)
- Small bumps that may appear raised (especially on darker skin)
- Oozing or crusting
- Thickened skin
- Darker skin around the eyes
- Sensitive, raw skin from scratching
Many people develop eczema before age 5. The condition might continue into the teenage years and adulthood. For some, symptoms come and go, sometimes clearing up for several years.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child:
- Shows any eczema symptoms
- Feels so uncomfortable that sleep or daily activities are affected
- Develops signs of skin infection (new streaks, pus, or yellow scabs)
- Doesn’t improve after trying home treatments
Get emergency medical care immediately if the rash looks infected and is accompanied by fever.
Causes
Atopic dermatitis is a complex skin condition with several underlying factors that contribute to its development. The condition is a skin sensitivity disorder, similar to how asthma affects the lungs or hay fever impacts the sinuses.
Some individuals have a gene variation that weakens their skin’s barrier function. This genetic difference means the skin cannot properly retain moisture or effectively protect against external threats like bacteria, irritants, allergens, and environmental factors, including tobacco smoke.
The structure of healthy skin resembles a solid brick wall. In people with atopic dermatitis, this structure becomes more like a wicker basket. This compromised barrier allows moisture to escape and irritants to enter more easily.
Bacterial imbalance also plays a significant role in some cases. An overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin can displace beneficial bacteria that normally help maintain skin health. This disruption further weakens the skin’s protective barrier.
The immune system response is another critical factor. When the skin barrier is compromised, the body may trigger an inflammatory immune response. This leads to the characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis:
- Red, weepy patches
- Crusty, flaky areas
- Intense itching
- Circular or oval-shaped affected areas
It’s important to note that atopic dermatitis differs from other common forms of dermatitis, such as:
| Type of Dermatitis | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis | Reaction to specific substances touching skin |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Often appears as dandruff |
Unlike some skin conditions, atopic dermatitis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else through contact.
The condition tends to appear in specific areas, particularly those prone to friction or sweat accumulation:
- Waistband areas
- Where socks or shoes rub
- Wrist areas where watches are worn
- Neck areas where necklaces or ties sit
- Areas where headbands or other accessories create friction
Understanding these causes helps explain why atopic dermatitis is considered a multisystem disorder rather than just a simple skin condition.
Risk Factors
Atopic dermatitis is more likely to develop in people who have previously experienced eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma. Your risk also increases if your family members have had these conditions. These inherited tendencies often appear together in families.
Possible Complications
Atopic dermatitis can lead to several complications beyond its primary symptoms. These issues may develop over time and affect quality of life.
Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma development
- Hay fever symptoms
- These can appear either before or after skin symptoms begin
Allergic Reactions
- Food allergies commonly develop
- Hives (urticaria) often appear as a symptom
Skin Changes
Chronic scratching can lead to neurodermatitis, where skin becomes:
- Thick
- Leathery
- Discolored
After flare-ups heal, some people experience color changes in their skin. These patches may be darker or lighter than surrounding areas. This is more common in darker skin tones and may take months to fade.
Infections
Breaking the skin through scratching can cause:
- Open sores
- Cracks
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
Without proper treatment, these infections can spread and become serious.
Occupational Impact
People who work with wet hands or harsh chemicals may develop irritant hand dermatitis. Regular exposure to soaps, detergents, and disinfectants increases this risk.
Contact Allergies
Many patients develop allergic contact dermatitis. This causes itchy rashes when touching substances they’re allergic to. The rash color varies based on skin tone.
Sleep Disruption
The constant itching from atopic dermatitis often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and reduced quality of life.
Mental Health Effects
People with atopic dermatitis have higher rates of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other mental health challenges
These issues may stem from constant itching, sleep problems, and the visible nature of skin symptoms.
Prevention
Creating a regular skin care routine can help stop eczema flares before they start. Here are some effective ways to prevent eczema outbreaks:
Daily Skin Care Habits
- Apply moisturizer twice daily: Use creams, ointments, or shea butter that work for your skin. Choose products that are unscented, effective, and affordable.
- Bathe properly: Take warm (not hot) baths or showers lasting about 10 minutes.
- Choose gentle cleansers: Use products without dyes, alcohol, or fragrances. Young children often need only warm water.
- Dry carefully: Pat skin gently with a soft towel, then apply moisturizer while skin is still damp (within three minutes).
For babies, petroleum jelly may help prevent atopic dermatitis from developing.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Everyone has different eczema triggers. Pay attention to what causes your skin to itch or flare up.
Common eczema triggers include:
| Physical Triggers | Environmental Triggers | Chemical Triggers |
|---|---|---|
| Rough wool fabrics | Dust mites and pet dander | Cleaning products |
| Dry skin | Mold and pollen | Fragrances |
| Skin infections | Cold, dry air | Tobacco smoke |
| Heat and sweat | Other irritating chemicals | |
| Stress |
Children may experience flares after eating certain foods, like eggs or cow’s milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about identifying possible food allergies in your child.
Understanding what causes your eczema is the first step toward prevention. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that helps you manage symptoms and prevent flares.
