Atopic Eczema Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Atopic eczema or known as atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with episodes of attacks with relapse periods. A person suffering from atopic eczema will experience intermittent skin disorders. This disease is usually accompanied by various other allergic diseases, such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
Symptoms
The main symptom of atopic eczema is itchy skin that comes and goes throughout the day, but generally, the complaints are worse at night. Sufferers will scratch so that various marks appear on the skin such as scratches or skin thickening.
Atopic eczema most often appears in the first year of a child’s life. Skin disorders starting on the face (forehead, cheeks) in the form of reddish skin. Eczema sometimes appears in the first few months after birth and often disappears by 3–4 years of age, although it usually comes back.
In children and adults, the rash often appears and recurs in only one or a few areas, especially the upper arms, front of the elbows or behind the knees.
Reason
Until now the cause of atopic eczema is still not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that are thought to play a role in the occurrence of eczema. Some of these factors include:
- genetic factor
- body’s immune system
- environmental and lifestyle factors
- psychological factors
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of atopic eczema is determined through a series of medical interviews and a complete physical examination of the patient.
On examination, there will be several signs, such as:
- reddish skin with itching symptoms
- skin also looks dry
- looks reddish
- if accompanied by a secondary infection can be seen the presence of pus or pus
Treatment
Treatment of atopic eczema can be done by avoiding irritants such as soap, cigarettes, and chemicals. If it is proven that there are allergens or triggers, then avoid these triggers.
Keep the skin moist to keep it moist because people with eczema tend to experience dry skin. The use of corticosteroid class of drugs can be considered in several circumstances.
Prevention
Can atopic eczema be prevented? Yes. Atopic eczema is done by avoiding the trigger material.