yes. differences in the skin of people with atopic dermatitis may contribute to the symptoms of the disease. the epidermis which is the skin's outermost layer is divided into two parts: the inner part which contains moist living cells and the outer part which consists of dry flattened dead cells. under normal conditions the outer layer of skin acts as a barrier keeping the rest of the skin from drying out and protecting other layers of skin from damage caused by irritants and infections. when this barrier is damaged or is naturally thin irritants act more intensely on the skin. the skin of a person with atopic dermatitis loses too much moisture from the epidermal layer. this allows the skin to become very dry which reduces its protective abilities. the skin is also very susceptible to recurring disorders such as staphylococcal and streptococcal bacterial skin infections warts herpes simplex and molluscum contagiosum (which is caused by a virus). skin features of atopic dermatitis thick leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing lichen simplex: refers to a thickened patch of raised skin that results from repeat rubbing and scratching of the same skin area papules: small raised bumps that may open when scratched becoming crusty and infected ichthyosis: dry rectangular scales on the skin commonly on the lower legs and shins keratosis pilaris: small rough bumps generally on the face upper arms and thighs. these are also described as gooseflesh or chicken skin and may have a small coiled hair under each bump. hyper linear palms: increased number of skin creases on the palms urticaria: hives (red raised bumps) often after exposure to an allergen at the beginning of flares or after exercise or a hot bath cheilitis: inflammation of the skin on and around the lips atopic pleat (dennie-morgan fold): an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye dark circles under the eyes: may result from allergies and atopy hyperpigmented eyelids: eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever prurigo nodules also called "picker's warts" are not really warts at all. these are small thickened bumps of skin caused by repeated picking of the same skin site.
is skin type important in atopic dermatitis?