atopic dermatitis is a very common often chronic (long-lasting) skin disease. it is also called eczema dermatitis or atopy. most commonly it may be thought of as a type of skin allergy or sensitivity. the atopic dermatitis triad includes asthma allergies (hay fever) and eczema. there is a known hereditary component of the disease and it is seen more in some families. the hallmarks of the disease include skin rashes and itching. the word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin. "atopic" refers to diseases that are hereditary tend to run in families and often occur together. in atopic dermatitis the skin becomes extremely itchy and inflamed causing redness swelling cracking weeping crusting and scaling. dry skin is a very common complaint and an underlying cause of some of the typical rash symptoms. although atopic dermatitis can occur in any age most often it affects infants and young children. in some instances it may persist into adulthood or actually first show up later in life. many patients tend to have a longterm course with various ups and downs. in most cases there are periods of time when the disease is worse called exacerbations or flares which are followed by periods when the skin improves or clears up entirely called remissions. many children with atopic dermatitis enter into a permanent remission of the disease when they get older although their skin may remain somewhat dry and easily irritated. multiple factors can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis including dry skin seasonal allergies exposure to harsh soaps and detergents new skin products or creams and cold weather. environmental factors can activate symptoms of atopic dermatitis at any time in the lives of people who have inherited the atopic disease trait.
what is atopic dermatitis?