atopic dermatitis 2

Atopic Dermatitis in Adults

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can persist into adulthood and even worsen due to exposure to irritants or allergens related to caregiving, domestic duties, or certain occupations. This condition is characterized by dry, itchy skin that can become inflamed and scaly.

Common Affected Areas

In adults, atopic dermatitis often affects the face (cheeks), neck, arms, and legs, but may spare other areas of the body. The skin can become vulnerable to infection when scratched, leading to oozing, weeping fluid, and bleeding.

Risk Factors

People with a family history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma are more likely to develop this condition. Research also shows that atopic dermatitis is more common in non-Hispanic black children and tends to affect women and girls slightly more often than men and boys.

Symptoms and Complications

Atopic dermatitis can lead to a vicious cycle of itching, scratching, and further inflammation, which damages the skin barrier. This condition can also make people more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Citations: * [2] - Atopic dermatitis is typically worst between the ages of two and four years, and often improves or even clears after this. * [4] - Atopic dermatitis may be aggravated or reappear in adult life due to exposure to irritants or allergens related to caregiving, domestic duties, or certain occupations. * [7] - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face (cheeks), neck, arms, and legs but usually spares the ... * [8] - People with AD can get rashes anywhere on the body that can ooze, weep fluid and bleed when scratched, making skin vulnerable to infection. * [12] - The chance of developing atopic dermatitis is higher if there is a family history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can manifest in various ways on the skin. Some common symptoms include:

• Red, dry patches of skin: These patches can appear anywhere on the body and are often accompanied by other symptoms.
• Rashes that may ooze, weep clear fluid, or bleed when scratched: This is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis, especially in children.
• Thickening and hardening of the skin: Over time, the skin can become thickened and hardened due to repeated scratching and inflammation.

These symptoms can vary from person to person and may be accompanied by other signs such as itchiness, dryness, and flakiness. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: * [2] Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis · Red, dry patches of skin. · Rashes that that may ooze, weep clear fluid, or bleed when scratched. · Thickening and hardening of the ... * [8] Sep 8, 2023 — Itchiness that can be painful. · Dry, cracked, scaly skin, more typical on white skin. · Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on ...

Diagnostic Tests for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

• Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other causes of the rash, such as infections or allergies. However, these tests are not typically necessary for diagnosing atopic dermatitis [2].
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy may be performed to examine a sample of skin tissue and confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis [2].
• Patch test: A patch test may be used to identify any allergens that may be triggering the symptoms of atopic dermatitis [6].

It's worth noting that no biomarker for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is known, and laboratory testing is seldom necessary [5]. A detailed medical history and physical examination are often the most important tools for diagnosing eczema [3].

References:

[1] Not applicable (this information was not provided in the context)

[2] Context result 2

[3] Context result 3

[5] Context result 5

[6] Context result 6

Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that requires ongoing management and treatment. While there is no cure for the condition, various drug treatments can help alleviate symptoms and prevent flares.

• Topical Corticosteroids: These are the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis flare-ups [8]. They come in different strengths and should be applied to affected areas as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Dupilumab: This is an injectable medication that has been shown to be effective in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis [2]. It works by blocking the action of certain proteins involved in inflammation.
• Antihistamines: These can help reduce itching and are often used in conjunction with other treatments. However, they may not be effective for everyone and should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider [6].
• Moisturizers: Keeping the skin moisturized is essential in managing atopic dermatitis. Moisturizers can help

Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, can be challenging to diagnose due to its diverse presentation and extensive differential diagnosis. Here are some conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of AD:

• Systemic illnesses: Malignancy, thyroid disorders, hepatic or renal failure can all present with skin manifestations that may mimic AD.
• Other dermatological conditions: Psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and ichthyoses are just a few examples of conditions that can be confused with AD.
• Infections and infestations: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause skin symptoms that may resemble AD.

It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected AD. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests can help differentiate between these conditions and AD.

References:

• [2] Systemic illnesses such as malignancy, thyroid disorders and hepatic or renal failure can also ...
• [5] The differential diagnosis of thick, tenacious scalp scale with or without associated alopecia includes psoriasis (see Section 2.2).