Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis

    * Introduction
    * Signs and symptoms
    * Causes
    * Complications
    * Diagnosis
    * Treatment
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an immune-mediated skin inflammation, sometimes with an important genetic component.
In general, the disease begins in the first year of life and is manifested by pruritus (itching), lesions eczematiforme, cutaneous xerosis (dry skin) and lichenification (thickening of the skin and increased wrinkles, the appearance of a cadrilaj).
In many patients, atopic dermatitis is associated with other atopic diseases: asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, food allergy. Among patients with AD, 30% develop asthma and 35% suffer from allergic rhinitis.
The incidence of DA is 18% worldwide and is growing, especially in developed countries, because early use of vaccines and antibiotics to prevent infection and allergen exposure of children to suppress and induce proinflammatory T limfoticele tolerance.
Peak incidence occurs in infants and young children. In 85% of cases, atopic eczema occurs in the first year and 95% of cases before five years. The disease shows periods of complete remission, especially in adolescence, but outbursts may also occur in adults. Among the adult population, the incidence of atopic dermatitis decreased to 0.9%. Rarely, the disease onset can occur in adulthood, when the disease is more difficult to control.
The main symptom is itching, and skin lesions ranging from mild erythema to severe lichenification. Diagnosis is based on physical examination. Treatment consists of applying emollients, avoidance of triggers and sometimes to topical corticosteroids.