It is characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can lead to scratching and further worsening due to the itch-scratch cycle. Atopic dermatitis often occurs alongside other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but is likely multifactorial. The development of atopic dermatitis is a result of interactions between a defective skin barrier, immunological and environmental factors.
Eczema occurs in up to 25% children in some populations, and around 7 % adults.
The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but is likely multifactorial. The development of atopic dermatitis is a result of interactions between a defective skin barrier, immunological and environmental factors.
Eczema is commonly termed “the itch that rashes”. Pruritus is a universal feature of eczema, and the subsequent scratching results in secondary skin changes such as lichenification (thickening of the skin), excoriation and breakdown of the skin barrier.
The common skin features of eczema include:
A wide variety of both allergic and non-allergic triggers for eczema exist. Common triggers include:
