Topic Overview
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a
skin problem that causes dry skin, intense itching, and
then a red, raised rash. It cannot be spread from person to person.
For some people, atopic dermatitis may be a long-lasting (chronic) skin problem that requires more than one treatment.
Atopic
dermatitis is most common in babies and children. Some children with atopic
dermatitis outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older. Also, a person may get atopic dermatitis as an adult.
Atopic dermatitis is sometimes called
eczema or atopic eczema. But atopic dermatitis is only
one of many types of eczema.
See a picture of
atopic dermatitis.
What causes atopic dermatitis?
The cause of
atopic dermatitis is not clear, but it affects your skin's ability to hold moisture. Your skin becomes dry, itchy, and easily irritated.
People with atopic dermatitis have skin that is sensitive to irritants and dryness in the environment.
Most people who have atopic dermatitis
have a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. The skin
inflammation that causes the atopic dermatitis rash is
thought to be a type of
allergic response.
Things that may make
atopic dermatitis worse include:
- Stress.
- Certain foods, such as
eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, or soy products. Food allergies trigger atopic dermatitis more commonly in babies and children than in adults.
- Allergens, such as
dust mites or
animal dander.
- Harsh soaps or
detergents.
- Weather changes, especially dry and cold.
-
Skin infection.
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 that look like little 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.
How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
A doctor can
usually tell if you have atopic dermatitis by doing a physical exam and asking
questions about your past health. Some of the questions might be: Do allergies
run in your family? When did the itch first start? When did the rash first
appear? Checking to see what the rash looks like and where it is located will
help your doctor decide if you have atopic dermatitis.
Your doctor
may advise allergy testing to find the things that trigger the rash. Allergy
tests are done by an allergist (immunologist).
How is it treated?
Although atopic dermatitis is
an ongoing problem, there are things you can do to control it.
- Moisturize often. Creams work better than lotions.
- Avoid things that trigger rashes, such as harsh soaps and
detergents, dander, and any other things you are allergic to.
-
Control scratching. You may want to cover the rash with a bandage to keep from
rubbing it. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent
him or her from scratching.
- Use medicine prescribed by your
doctor.
- Bathe with lukewarm water and for short
periods.
In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe pills or give
you a shot to stop the itching. Or you may get ultraviolet (UV) light treatment
at a clinic or doctor’s office.
Can you prevent your baby from getting atopic dermatitis?
If you or other family members have atopic dermatitis
or other allergies, there is a chance that your baby could get it. If possible,
breast-feed your baby for at least 6 months to boost the
immune system and to help protect your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about atopic dermatitis: | |
Being diagnosed: | |
Getting treatment: | |
Living with atopic dermatitis: | |
Cause
The cause of
atopic dermatitis is poorly understood and is the
subject of active research. It affects your skin's ability to hold moisture. Research shows that it develops as a result of
interaction between the environment, your
immune system, and genetics (heredity). People with
this condition are more prone
to react to numerous irritants and
allergens.
Most people who have atopic
dermatitis have a personal or family history of allergic conditions, such as
hay fever (allergic rhinitis). The skin
inflammation that causes the atopic dermatitis rash is
considered a type of
allergic response. Research has shown that even the
unaffected skin of people with atopic dermatitis does not hold water as well as
it should.3
Itching and
rash can be triggered by a variety of factors,
including:
- Exposure to
allergens, such as pollen,
animal dander, or molds.
Dust mites may be an allergen, although experts don't
know whether they affect atopic dermatitis.
- Exposure to irritants,
such as using soaps, rubbing the skin, and wearing wool.
- Exposure
to workplace irritants, such as fumes and chemicals.
- Climate
factors, especially winter weather and low humidity. Cold air does not contain
much moisture, which can result in drier skin and increased itchiness.
- Temperature changes. Sudden changes in temperature can result in
increased itchiness. A suddenly higher temperature may bring on sweating, which
can cause itching. Lying under blankets, entering a warm room, or going from a
warm shower into colder air can all promote itching.
- Emotional
stress. Emotions such as frustration or embarrassment may lead to increased
itchiness and scratching.
- Exposure to certain foods, typically
eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, or wheat products. Up to 40% of children with
moderate to severe atopic dermatitis also have some type of
food allergy.1 But experts do
not agree on whether foods can cause atopic dermatitis.
- Excessive
washing. Repeated washing dries out the top layer of skin, leading to drier
skin and increased itchiness, especially in the winter months when humidity is
low.
Symptoms
The main symptom of
atopic dermatitis is itching. The itching can be
severe and persistent, especially at night. Scratching the affected area of
skin usually causes a rash. The rash is red and patchy and may be long-lasting
(chronic) or come and go (recurring). The rash may:
- Develop fluid-filled sores that can ooze fluid
or crust over. This can happen when the skin is rubbed or scratched or if a
skin infection is present. This is known as an acute (sudden or of short
duration), oozing rash.
- Be scaly and dry, red, and itchy. This is known as a subacute
(longer-duration) rash.
- Become tough and thick from constant
scratching (lichenification).
The severity of symptoms depends on how large an area of
skin is affected, how much you scratch the rash, and whether a secondary
infection develops. Mild atopic dermatitis usually involves a small area of
skin that does not itch much and goes away with adequate moisturizing. Severe
atopic dermatitis usually involves a large area of skin that is very itchy and
does not go away with moisturizing.
The usual location of the
rash on the body varies by age group.
Infants (ages 2 months to 2 years)
- The areas most commonly affected are the
face, scalp, neck, arms and legs (especially the front of the knees and the
back of the elbows), and trunk. The rash usually does not appear in the diaper
area. It is most commonly seen in babies during the winter months as dry, red,
scaling areas on the baby's cheeks. See a picture of
atopic dermatitis in an infant.
- The rash is often crusted or oozes
fluid.
- Rubbing and scratching can lead to frequent
infections.
Children (ages 2 years to 11 years)
- The symptoms may appear for the first time or
may be a continuation of the infant phase.
- The rash occurs
primarily on the back of the legs and arms, on the neck, and in areas that
bend, such as the back of the knees and the inside of the elbows.
- The rash is usually dry. But it may go through stages from an
acute oozing rash to a subacute red, dry rash to a chronic rash that causes the
skin to thicken (lichenification). Lichenification often occurs after the rash
goes away.
- Rubbing and scratching can lead to infections.
Adolescents and adults
- Atopic dermatitis often improves as you get
older.
- The areas affected by atopic dermatitis are usually small
and commonly include places that bend, such as the neck, the back of the knees,
and the inside of the elbows. Rashes can also affect the face, wrists, and
forearms. Rashes are rare in the groin area.
There are
other conditions with similar symptoms or conditions that may be associated
with atopic dermatitis, such as dry skin (xerosis),
ringworm, and poison ivy and other forms of
contact dermatitis.
What Happens
Atopic dermatitis causes repeated attacks of itching
and rash that can become quite severe. It is most common
in babies and children. Older studies indicated that most children outgrow the
condition. More recent studies report that many people, especially teens and adults, continue to have
relapses or to have the condition, although not as severely.2 Also, a person may develop atopic dermatitis
as an adult.
Infants and children (ages 2 months to 11 years)
- Of children with atopic dermatitis,
approximately 50% first develop symptoms in the first year of life and 30%
between ages 1 and 5.1
- About 80% of
children with atopic dermatitis develop
asthma or
allergic rhinitis later in childhood.1
- Infants and children with a
food allergy that triggers atopic dermatitis are at
higher risk for developing asthma.
Atopic dermatitis may affect how children feel about
themselves. A child may feel strange or different from other children because
of the rash or restrictions in diet. The rash may make a child feel
unattractive.
Adolescents and adults
Teens and adults with a
history of atopic dermatitis usually continue to itch and have a rash.
- When atopic dermatitis occurs for the first
time in adulthood, it is usually more severe than long-standing atopic
dermatitis.
- Although some affected adults have had no skin problems
since infancy, others have had attacks of atopic dermatitis throughout
childhood.
- Atopic dermatitis in adults can often be related to a
change in environment, such as going from a humid environment to a dry
environment, or increased exposure to
allergens, such as
dust mites or
animal dander.
Complications
Some people with atopic dermatitis
develop patches of lighter skin, especially on the face, upper arms, or
shoulders. Chronic scratching or rubbing of the skin can also lighten or darken
skin color. When atopic dermatitis has been successfully controlled, it takes
time for skin color to return to normal.
Infections caused by bacteria are common. Infected skin may become red
and warm, and a fever may develop. Skin infections are treated with
antibiotics.
Atopic dermatitis can affect the skin and tissue
surrounding the eyes, but these eye problems are rare.
Eczema
herpeticum results when atopic dermatitis is infected with the
herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes
cold sores and
genital herpes. In this condition, the rash blisters
and may begin to bleed and crust, and you may have a high fever. This is a
serious infection—contact your doctor immediately.
Atopic dermatitis and smallpox vaccination
People
with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis have a high risk of developing a
severe rash called eczema vaccinatum if they receive the
smallpox vaccine or touch another person’s vaccination
mark before the scab has fallen off. Although most people recover from eczema
vaccinatum, the rash can be quite severe, sometimes leading to death. People
who do not have eczema at the time of vaccination but have a history of eczema
also are at increased risk for eczema vaccinatum.
What Increases Your Risk
The major risk factor for
atopic dermatitis is having a family history of the
condition. You are also at risk for atopic dermatitis if family
members have
asthma,
allergic rhinitis, or other allergies.
An
infant who has a parent or sibling with atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic
rhinitis has a 60% to 80% chance of developing atopic dermatitis.4
When To Call a Doctor
Call your doctor if you or your
child has
atopic dermatitis and:
- Itching makes you or your child irritable or
inconsolable.
- Itching is interfering with daily activities or with
sleep.
- There are crusting or oozing sores, severe scratch marks,
widespread rash, severe discoloration of the skin, or a fever that is
accompanied by a rash.
- Painful
cracks develop on the hands or fingers.
- Atopic dermatitis on the
hands interferes with daily school, work, or home activities.
- Signs
of bacterial infection develop. These include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness,
tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the
area.
- A discharge of pus.
- A fever of
100.4°F (38°C) or higher with
no other cause.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during
which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using
medical treatment.
- For minor rashes, watchful waiting and home
treatment are often sufficient. If home treatment clears up the rash, mention
it to your doctor at your next visit.
- If home treatment does not
clear up the rash, see your doctor. He or she can suggest other treatments or
prescribe a stronger medicine.
Who To See
For the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis,
consult with a:
If
food or other allergies are suspected to be a factor
in atopic dermatitis, consider seeing an
allergist (immunologist) for specialized evaluation.
For more information, see the topic
Food Allergies.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
Exams and Tests
Most cases of
atopic dermatitis can be diagnosed from a medical
history and a physical exam. You will be asked about your family history of
allergic conditions, when the itch first started, and when the rash first
appeared. What the rash look likes and where it is located will help your
doctor make a diagnosis. Your or your child's condition is more likely to be
atopic dermatitis if a parent or brother or sister has an allergic condition
(especially
asthma,
allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis).
Allergy testing
Your doctor may recommend
allergy testing to identify any factors that are
related to atopic dermatitis flares. Allergy testing is most helpful for people
with atopic dermatitis who also have respiratory allergies or asthma. Allergy
testing can help identify certain
allergens. But test results are often
false-positive. For more information, see the topic
Allergy Tests.
If a specific allergen is
thought to trigger your atopic dermatitis, you and your doctor will discuss how
to eliminate it from your diet or environment while
closely observing and recording your symptoms.
Treatment Overview
Although there is no cure for
atopic dermatitis, it can be controlled with
preventive measures and medicines. 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. Typically, a combination of
corticosteroid medicines and moisturizers is used.
Counseling also
can be helpful for children and adults with atopic dermatitis. Talking with a
counselor can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by atopic dermatitis and
can help a person cope with the condition.
Initial and ongoing treatment
Initial and ongoing
treatment for
atopic dermatitis includes:
- Avoiding dry skin. This is essential in
treating atopic dermatitis. Keep your or your child's skin hydrated through
proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes
bathing in lukewarm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath
oils, and using soap regularly only on the underarms, groin, and feet. Apply a
moisturizer immediately after bathing. For more information, see:
Atopic Dermatitis: Taking Care of Your Skin.
- Avoiding
irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or
bedding.
- Avoiding possible
allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These may include dust and
dust mites,
animal dander, and certain
foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, or soy
products. Talk to your doctor first to determine whether allergens are
contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information, see the topic
Food Allergies.
- Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your
fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when
scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the
affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent
him or her from scratching the area.
Coal tar preparations applied to the skin also may
help reduce itching.
You may need medicine to heal your rash and reduce
itching.
- Topical corticosteroids (such as
hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone) are the most common and
effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. They are
used until the rash clears and may be used to prevent atopic dermatitis flares.
Topical medicines, such as creams or ointments, are applied directly to the
skin.
- Calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus)
are topical immunosuppressants—medicines that weaken your body's
immune system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends caution when prescribing or using Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream
and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment because of a potential cancer risk.5 The FDA also stresses that these medicines only be used as
directed and only after trying other treatment options. Calcineurin inhibitors
are not approved for children younger than 2 years of age.
- Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine and
hydroxyzine) are often used to treat itching and to help you sleep when severe
night itching is a problem. But histamines are not always involved in atopic
dermatitis itching, so these medicines may not help all people who have the
condition. Don't give antihistamines to your child
unless you've checked with the doctor first.
- Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medicines are
used to treat an infected rash.
Treatment if the condition gets worse
For severe
cases of
atopic dermatitis or cases that do not improve with
other treatment, treatment can include:
In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed. A short
stay in the hospital can quickly control the condition.
What To Think About
A combination of preventive
measures, such as moisturizing your skin and avoiding irritants, along with
medicines usually works best to control atopic dermatitis. You may need to try
different treatments before finding what works best for you or your
child.
The regular use of moisturizers may help reduce the need
for high-strength corticosteroid medicines.3
Atopic dermatitis sometimes improves when daily stresses are reduced.
Relaxation techniques, such as
meditation or
imagery exercises, can help relieve stress. For more
information, see the topic
Stress Management.
Atopic dermatitis may
affect how children feel about themselves. A child may feel strange or
different from other children because of the rash or restrictions in diet. The
rash may make a child feel unattractive.
Prevention
If your baby is at risk for atopic dermatitis because you or other family members
have it or other allergies, these steps may help prevent a rash or reduce its
severity:
- If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least
6 months to boost his or her
immune system.
- When you are
ready to give your child solid foods, talk with your doctor about whether your
child should avoid foods that frequently cause
food allergies, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, and
wheat.
If you or your child has atopic dermatitis, you may
decrease flares by:
- Avoiding dry skin. This is essential in
treating atopic dermatitis. Keep your or your child's skin hydrated through
proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes
bathing in lukewarm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath
oils, and using soap only on the underarms, groin, and feet on a regular basis.
Apply a moisturizer right away after bathing, even while your skin is still
wet. For more information, see:
- Atopic Dermatitis: Taking Care of Your Skin.
- Avoiding
irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or
bedding.
- Avoiding possible
allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These may include dust and
dust mites,
animal dander, and certain
foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, or soy
products. Talk to your doctor first to determine whether allergens are
contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information on food allergies,
see the topic
Food Allergies.
- Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your
fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when
scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the
affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent
him or her from scratching the area.
Home Treatment
Home treatment for
atopic dermatitis may include:
- Avoiding dry skin. People with atopic
dermatitis have overly sensitive skin, so it is important that you take care of
your skin. Keep your skin hydrated through
proper bathing and use of moisturizers. This includes
bathing in lukewarm water, bathing for only 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding gels and bath
oils, and using soap only on the underarms, groin, and feet on a regular basis.
Apply a moisturizer right away after bathing, even while your skin is still
wet. For more information, see:
- Atopic Dermatitis: Taking Care of Your Skin.
- Avoiding
irritants that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These include soaps that dry the skin, perfumes, and scratchy clothing or
bedding.
- Avoiding possible
allergens that cause a rash or make a rash worse.
These may include dust and
dust mites,
animal dander, and certain
foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, or soy
products. Talk to your doctor first to determine whether allergens are
contributing to your atopic dermatitis. For more information on food allergies,
see the topic
Food Allergies.
- Controlling itching and scratching. Keep your
fingernails trimmed and filed smooth to help prevent damaging the skin when
scratching. You may want to use protective dressings to keep from rubbing the
affected area. Put mittens or cotton socks on your baby's hands to help prevent
him or her from scratching the area.
Coal tar preparations applied to the skin also may
help reduce itching.
Exposure to natural sunlight can be helpful for atopic dermatitis, but it is important to avoid sunburn. Too much sun, sweating, and/or getting too hot also can irritate the skin. When you use a sunscreen, choose one for sensitive skin.
Reducing stress can help your skin. Emotional factors don't cause atopic dermatitis, but they can cause immune reactions that make your skin problems worse. Try relaxation techniques, behavior modification, or biofeedback. Massage therapy is also helpful, especially in children. For more information, see:
- Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation.
Medications
Medicines for
atopic dermatitis include the following.
- Topical corticosteroids (such as
hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone) are the most common and
effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. They are
used until the rash clears and may be used to prevent atopic dermatitis flares.
Topical medicines, such as creams or ointments, are applied directly to the
skin. Only low-strength topical corticosteroids should be used on your
face.
- Calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus)
are topical immunosuppressants—medicines that weaken your body's
immune system. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends caution when prescribing or using Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream
and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment because of a potential cancer risk.5 The FDA also stresses that these medicines only be used as
directed and only after trying other treatment options. Calcineurin inhibitors
are not approved for children younger than 2 years of age.
- Antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine and
hydroxyzine) are often used to treat atopic dermatitis itch and to help you
sleep when severe night itching is a problem. But histamines are not always
involved in atopic dermatitis itch, so these medicines may not help all people
who have the condition. Don't give antihistamines to
your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
- Oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone and
prednisolone) are used in severe cases when the rash covers large areas of the
body or when complications occur.
- Cyclosporine or
interferon is sometimes used in adults if other
treatment is not successful.
If the rash becomes infected,
antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medicines are
used. Skin that has been broken down by scratching and inflammation can become
infected.
Coal tar preparations applied to the
skin may help reduce itching. But this medicine should not be used on skin that is very irritated, or it can make your skin problem worse. Tar preparations are sometimes used to control the condition
after a stronger medicine has successfully improved atopic dermatitis.
Mild- to moderate-strength corticosteroids that are applied to the skin,
together with heavy moisturizing, are effective in reducing atopic dermatitis
rash in most cases. Specific treatment depends on the
type of rash you have.
If you or your
child has a very mild itch and rash, you may be able to control it without
medicine by using home treatment and preventive measures. But if symptoms are
getting worse despite home treatment, it is essential that you use medical
treatment to prevent the itch-scratch-rash cycle from getting out of
control.
Other Treatment
Other treatment for
atopic dermatitis includes light therapy and
complementary therapies.
Light therapy
Severe atopic dermatitis may be treated by exposing
affected skin to
ultraviolet (UV) light. There are two types of
ultraviolet light, called ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
Excessive sun exposure and light treatment (such as with
UVA or UVB treatments) increases your risk of skin cancer.
Complementary or alternative treatments
Complementary or alternative treatments may be helpful for treating atopic dermatitis. Some small studies showed benefit from these treatments. But there is not clear scientific evidence to show that they help. Examples of complementary and alternative treatments for atopic dermatitis include:
- Dietary supplements of
essential fatty acids (EFAs), such as fish oil or evening primrose oil. These may help the immune system work better.
- Creams that are put on the skin that contain St. John's wort or vitamin B12. These may help improve skin affected by atopic dermatitis.
- Chinese herbal therapy. Some traditional herbs contain natural
corticosteroids, which may reduce itching. But herbal therapies may also contain substances that may cause liver or heart problems.
If you are interested in these treatments, ask your
doctor about their use, their effectiveness, and any possible interactions
related to other medicines you are taking.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and
Immunology |
| 555 East Wells Street |
| Suite 1100 |
| Milwaukee, WI 53202-3823 |
| Phone: | 1-800-822-2762 (doctor referral information only)
(414) 272-6071 |
| Email: | info@aaaai.org (For general questions only. The AAAAI cannot answer individual questions relating to the diagnosis or treatment of allergies.) |
| Web Address: | www.aaaai.org |
| |
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
publishes an excellent series of pamphlets on allergies, asthma, and related
information. It also provides physician referrals. |
|
| American Academy of Dermatology |
| P.O. Box 4014 |
| Schaumburg, IL 60168 |
| Phone: | 1-866-503-SKIN (1-866-503-7546) toll-free
(847) 240-1280 |
| Fax: | (847) 240-1859 |
| Web Address: | www.aad.org |
| |
The American Academy of Dermatology provides information
about the care of skin, hair, and nails. You can find a dermatologist in your
area by calling 1-888-462-DERM (1-888-462-3376). |
|
| KidsHealth for Parents, Children, and
Teens |
| 10140 Centurion Parkway North |
| Jacksonville, FL 32256 |
| Phone: | (904) 697-4100 |
| Fax: | (904) 697-4125 |
| Web Address: | www.kidshealth.org |
| |
This Web site is sponsored by the Nemours Foundation. It
has a wide range of information about children's health, from allergies and
diseases to normal growth and development (birth to adolescence). This Web site
offers separate areas for kids, teens, and parents, each providing
age-appropriate information that the child or parent can understand. You can
sign up to get weekly e-mails about your area of interest. |
|
| National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(NIAID), National Institutes of Health |
| NIAID Office of Communications and Public Liaison |
| 6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-6612 |
| Phone: | 1-866-284-4107 toll-free
(301) 496-5717 |
| Fax: | (301) 402-3573 |
| TDD: | 1-800-877-8339 |
| Web Address: | www3.niaid.nih.gov |
| |
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases conducts research and provides consumer information on infectious and
immune-system-related diseases. |
|
| SkinCarePhysicians.org |
| P.O. Box 4014 |
| Schaumburg, IL 60618-4014 |
| Phone: | 1-866-503-SKIN (1-866-503-7546) toll-free |
| Fax: | (847) 240-1859 |
| Web Address: | www.aad.org |
| |
This Web site from the American Academy of Dermatology provides information on the treatment and management of skin diseases. There are links to information about acne, actinic keratoses, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, and aging skin. There are also links to other resources, such as how to find a dermatologist in your area. |
|
References
Citations
- Leung DYM, et al. (2008). Atopic dermatitis (atopic
eczema). In K Wolff et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed., vol. 1, pp. 146–158. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
- Boguniewicz M, Leung DYM (2009). Atopic dermatitis. In
N Franklin Addison Jr et al., eds., Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1083–1103. Philadelphia:
Mosby Elsevier.
- Grimalt R, et al. (2007). The steroid-sparing effect
of an emollient therapy in infants with atopic dermatitis: A randomized
controlled study. Dermatology, 214(1):
61–67.
- Jones SM, et al. (2007). Atopic dermatitis. In P
Lieberman, JA Anderson, eds., Allergic Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, 3rd ed., pp. 217–247. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006).
FDA approves updated labeling with boxed warning and medication guide for two
eczema drugs, Elidel and Protopic. FDA News. Available
online:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm153941.htm.
Other Works Consulted
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (2004). Disease management of atopic dermatitis: An updated practice parameter. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 93: S1–S28. Available online: http://www.aaaai.org/professionals/resources/pdf/atopic_derm2004.pdf.
- Berger TG (2010). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) section of Dermatologic disorders. In SJ McPhee et al., eds., Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 49th ed., pp. 101–103. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Bieber T (2008). Mechanisms of disease: Atopic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(14): 1483–1494.
- Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics (2000). Hypoallergenic infant formulas. Pediatrics, 106(2): 346–349.
- Habif TP, et al. (2005). Atopic dermatitis.
In Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, 2nd ed.,
pp. 64–69. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby.
- Krakowski AC, et al. (2008). Management of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population. Pediatrics, 122(4): 812–824.
- Stevens SR, et al. (2008). Eczematous disorders,
atopic dermatitis, and ichthyoses. In EG Nabel, ed.,
ACP Medicine, section 2, chap. 4. Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
|---|
| Last Revised | April 30, 2010 |
|---|
Leung DYM, et al. (2008). Atopic dermatitis (atopic
eczema). In K Wolff et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed., vol. 1, pp. 146–158. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Boguniewicz M, Leung DYM (2009). Atopic dermatitis. In
N Franklin Addison Jr et al., eds., Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1083–1103. Philadelphia:
Mosby Elsevier.
Grimalt R, et al. (2007). The steroid-sparing effect
of an emollient therapy in infants with atopic dermatitis: A randomized
controlled study. Dermatology, 214(1):
61–67.
Jones SM, et al. (2007). Atopic dermatitis. In P
Lieberman, JA Anderson, eds., Allergic Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, 3rd ed., pp. 217–247. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006).
FDA approves updated labeling with boxed warning and medication guide for two
eczema drugs, Elidel and Protopic. FDA News. Available
online:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm153941.htm.
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