Do you know the type of skin disease Atopic Dermatitis (AD)? This skin disease can attack various age groups, from children to adults. Atopic dermatitis is a skin rash that usually appears in the folds of the body such as the arms, back of the neck or inside of the elbows and also has the potential to appear anywhere. This can occur due to skin inflammation with various causal factors. Apart from that, this skin inflammation has indications such as red itching and dry skin. Even though this disease is classified as chronic, proper and routine treatment can be carried out to help with temporary treatment. Therefore, immediately get to know the complete symptoms and causes through the following article!
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, or what is often called eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition in the form of an itchy red rash on certain parts of the body. Usually, atopic dermatitis in babies appears on the face. In children, the folds of the feet/hands are often the location of the rash. This condition is often experienced by babies and children, and some cases will disappear by the time they are teenagers. However, atopic dermatitis can persist into adulthood, and can also only appear in adulthood, you know! Until now, the causes of atopic dermatitis are still being researched.
However, the interaction of internal factors such as genetics and external factors that influence the skin barrier is one of the main factors. The genetic factor of this disease is often associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or other allergies. Several external factors that can influence include irritants, stress, trauma, and the presence of allergens such as dust, dust mites, flower pollen. This condition lasts a long time and tends to be difficult to cure. Itching and scratching can worsen the condition of the skin barrier, and ultimately make it easier for irritants and allergens to enter the skin. This makes atopic dermatitis recur frequently.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary according to the patient's age.
- At the age of 2 months-2 years
The rash is often found on both cheeks and is symmetrical; can spread to the forehead, scalp, ears, neck, wrists and legs. When a child has started learning to crawl, the rash can be found on the knees, elbows, or other parts of the body that are easily injured. The rash is also accompanied by itching.
- At the age of 2-10 years
In contrast to the previous phase, atopic dermatitis is often found in the elbow creases, knee creases, wrists, eyelids and neck. Apart from that, children's skin also tends to be drier. Sometimes, the skin used by the rash can turn black, appear scratched, or appear to be peeling.
- At age >13 years
The location of eczema is similar to the childhood phase, but can also spread to the palms of the hands, fingers, lips, front of the neck, scalp, and even the nipples. Usually the rash can last for a long time, and can become black and dry, and blister due to scratching. The patient's skin can also be scaly. A person with these symptoms will feel more intense itching when resting, in hot air, and when sweating.
Because barriers The skin in patients with atopic dermatitis is already disturbed, infections attack the skin more easily. Bacteria, viruses and fungi can infect the skin where eczema occurs.
Treating Atopic Dermatitis
Treatment and management of atopic dermatitis can involve various treatment steps aimed at reducing symptoms and temporary treatment for sufferers of atopic dermatitis. Below we present several general steps used in the treatment and management of atopic dermatitis:
- Identify and manage precipitating factors
Atopic dermatitis is triggered by factors that trigger recurrence, which can be different for each patient. Some of the allergens that often trigger eczema are dust, house dust mites, food allergens—especially in babies <1 year old, such as cow's milk, eggs, nuts, nuts, etc. ="" psychological="" stress="" also="" often="" causes="" eczema="" recurrence="" or="" aggravates="" the condition="" by="" regulating="" " factors that cause dermatitis "" atopy can be controlled "" li="">
- Medical treatment
The doctor will provide treatment in the form of an ointment or cream containing steroids to reduce inflammation and other medicines to relieve itching. Antibiotics will also be given if there is an infection.
- Avoid scratching the rash
Scratching the rash will only make the damage worse barriers skin—so allergens, irritants, and other external factors are more susceptible to triggering inflammation of the skin and worsening eczema conditions.
- Skin care with moisturizer
Because barriers damaged skin in atopic dermatitis, good skin care will help restore health barriers skin. Regular use of moisturizer twice a day applied immediately after bathing can be done every day, even in conditions where there is no eczema.
The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is made based on an examination by a doctor. The doctor will also assess the severity of the eczema experienced—in terms of the extent of the disease, the intensity of the disease, and the assessment of the itching felt by the patient—before administering appropriate medication.
It is important to always consult a medical professional before starting any treatment, contact the EMC Hospitals call center immediately if you or someone you know has atopic dermatitis, as treatment may vary depending on the severity and individual characteristics of the atopic dermatitis.
Article written by Dr. Elly D. Arifin, dr, SpKK, FINSDP, FAADV (Skin and Venereology Specialist at EMC Tangerang Hospital).