Eczema – Overview

Transcript

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic inflammatory dermatologic condition characterized by dry and sometimes scaly patches that are itchy and can occur anywhere on the body. It is frequently associated with the atopic triad in which allergic rhinitis and asthma can also be seen. It’s also known as eczema or atopic eczema, and is one of the most common rashes seen in dermatology. It’s characterized by itching or pruritis as its main symptom. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin that affects about 10 to 25% of children and 2 to 10% of adults in most high income countries, as well as developing nations. It’s characterized by chronic relapsing and remitting course and intense itching. Sequelae often include sleep disturbances, impaired function at work or at school, disrupted family dynamics, and psychological distress. It begins in infancy or early childhood, often developing in the first year of life in over 50% of individuals and before the age of five in 85% of patients. It is accompanied by other conditions sometimes that are associated with atopy, such as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, hay fever, and asthma, also known as the atopic march or atopic triad often in an age dependent sequence.