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What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) (a type of eczema) is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing, non-contagious and pruritic skin disease.[1] It has been given names like “prurigo Besnier,” “neurodermitis,” “endogenous eczema,” “flexural eczema,” “infantile eczema,” and “prurigo diathsique”.

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema is a skin disease having a tendency to last for years. Applying cortisone for years is not an answer. It obviously calls for internal treatment.

What causes atopic dermatitis?
Allergy
Although it is an inherited disease, eczema is primarily aggravated by contact with or intake of allergens. It can also be influenced by other “hidden” factors such as stress or fatigue. Atopic eczema consists of chronic inflammation; it often occurs in people with a history of allergy disorders such as asthma or hay fever. There is no certain cause of atopic dermatitis.

[edit] Biological
Although it is such a common disease, relatively little is understood about the underlying causes of atopic eczema.[4] While AE is associated with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, the connection between the diseases has not been established.[4] Twin studies have consistently shown that the disease has a higher rate of concordance in identical as compared to fraternal twins, which also indicates that genetics plays a role in its development.[4] However, the rate of concordance between identical twins is far from 100%, and the changing frequency of the disease over time points to the environmental factors—nutrition or hygiene, for instance—that also play a role in disease susceptibility.[5]

Genomic research into the cause of multigenic diseases is still in its infancy: few genes have ever been identified that contribute to multigenic human disorders.[5] Researchers have attempted to do this in past whole-genome screens for AE and related diseases, but their results have been inconsistent. A few of the pertinent loci have been validated by replication in further studies (chromosome 2q, chromosome 6p, and chromosome 12q, for example),[6] but most have not been.

Associations with ATOD1, ATOD2, ATOD3, ATOD4, ATOD5 and ATOD6 have been identified.[7]

What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, followed by rash. The rash is red and patchy and may be long-lasting (chronic) or may come and go (recurring). Tiny bumps or blisters may appear and ooze fluid or crust over. Scratching can cause the sores to become infected. Over time, a recurring rash can lead to tough and thickened skin.

People tend to get the rash on different parts of the body, depending on their age. Common sites include the face, neck, arms, and legs. Rashes in the groin area are rare.

How severe the symptoms are depends on how large an area of skin is affected. It also depends on how much you scratch the rash and whether the sores get infected. Mild atopic dermatitis usually affects a small area of skin. It does not itch much and goes away with enough moisturizing. Severe atopic dermatitis usually covers a large area of skin that is very itchy. It does not go away with moisturizing.

treatment of Atopic dermatitis:
Although there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, it can be controlled with preventive measures and medications. Treatment helps stop the rash from recurring (flares) and controls itching. You can generally bring the rash and itching under control within 3 weeks of a flare. Specific treatment depends on the type of rash you have. Generally, a combination of corticosteroid medications and moisturizers is used.

Skin Care – More Important Than You Think
There is an astounding amount of research under way to help doctors understand the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin. Even more astounding is how complex this tiny layer — about 10 cells thick — is. Recent research has shown that using the right liquid cleansers and moisturizers in a consistent skin care routine can not only keep the skin from drying out as much, but also replace the skin’s natural oils that are low in atopic dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis Skin Care

Things You Can Do at Home
Atopic dermatitis is known as “the itch that rashes.” Managing itching is an important part of managing atopic dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis Home Treatment

Medications for Atopic Dermatitis
Most people need medications at some point to manage their atopic dermatitis. Some people have to use medication every day because their atopic dermatitis is severe, while others only have to use medication for flare-ups. Often people have a range of medication they can use — stronger ones for severe symptoms and milder ones for milder symptoms. It is important to know how and when to use the medications you are prescribed. If you ever have any question about your medication, you should always ask your doctor.
Medications for Atopic Dermatitis

Sources:

Boguniewicz, Mark. “Atopic Dermatitis: Beyond the Itch that Rashes.” Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America 25(2005): 333-51.

Coderch L, et al. “Efficacy of stratum corneum lipid supplementation on human skin.” Contact Dermatitis. 3(2002):139-46.

Halvarsson, K, and M. Loden. “Increasing quality of life by improving the quality of skin in patients with atopic dermatitis.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science 29(2007): 69-83.

Hanifin, Jon, et al. “Guidelines of Care for Atopic Dermatitis.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 50(2004): 391-404.

Simpson, Eric, and Jon Hanifin. “Atopic Dermatitis.” The Medical Clinics of North America 90(2006): 149-167.

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