How does ATOPIC DERMATITIS start?

My Best Friend Was Diagnosed With Atopic Dermatitis In December 2006, Shes Had It For A Year And A Half Now And None Of The Creams She Takes Works. I Really Want To Help Her Because Shes Afraid Of People Seeing Her Spots In Her Body. It Has Really Affected Her Life! She Refuses To Go Out Anywhere With Out A Jacket Or Anything. I Really Want To Help Her Find A Cure For It. I Really Want To Know How This Started! So Please Let Me Know If You Know How It Starts

How does ATOPIC DERMATITIS start?
Unofrtunately there is no cure for Atopic Dermatitis (Ecezma). It can be made worse by emotional upset and stress however, so your friend may actually be making it worse by worrying about it. It must be hard for her, but try and get her to relax and feel good about herself, talk about the parts of her body that she does like, and praise her, if you concentrate on the good things it will help her to accept the not so good.





The causes of Atopic Dermatisis are usually hereditary, so if your friends parents or close family have the disorder they probably passed it on to her,also if they had an allergic consition such as asthma or hayfever.





Although there is no cure, there is a new treatment known as immuno-modulators control inflammation and reduce immune system reactions when applied to the skin (ecezma is caused when the body's immune system becomes misguided and create inflammation in the skin even in the absence of a major infection), two brands of this is Protopic and Elidel, so ask her to try those.





Make sure your friend takes care of her skin,and suggest Stress management and relaxation techniques, which help decrease the likelihood of flareups. People with Atopoc dermatitis are tempted to scratch at the area, making it worse, so your friend may find it useful to keep her hands occupied so she scratchess less.





Hope this helps.
Reply:Atopic dermatitis


This condition (also called atopic eczema or infantile eczema) affects people with dry and rough skin ('keratosis pilaris') and may be caused by a variety of allergens. It often starts in childhood and tends to run in families.





Possible causes of atopic dermatitis include:





Food allergy, which plays an important role in small children but not in adults.


Cow's milk and hen's egg are the foods most likely to exacerbate infantile eczema.


The house dust mite - more common allergen in older children and adults. Allergy to cats and dogs may also be responsible.


Certain bacteria such as 'staphylococci' may cause sudden severe outbreaks of eczema.








Contact dermatitis


This condition usually only affects adults. It happens when the skin reacts to contact with a chemical substance.





There are two types of contact dermatitis:





Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin becomes sensitive to something over a period of time, and develops an allergic reaction.


Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with something that strips away the skin's natural oils and makes the skin red, dry, cracked and itchy.








An estimated one in 12 adults and one in five school-aged children have eczema. According to the Health and Safety Executive, occupational dermatitis (irritant contact dermatitis caused by sensitivity to substances at work) accounts for up to a third of all working days lost by British industry.





The most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are:





nickel in jewellery and on clothing fasteners and studs


rubber and building materials such as cement, solvents and glues


some of the ingredients found in cosmetics, hair dyes and perfumes








The most common causes of irritant contact dermatitis include:





soaps, detergents and fabric conditioners


shampoos


disinfectants and bleaches








What are the symptoms?





Extensive areas of skin may become inflamed and unbearably itchy.





In mild cases, eczema is nothing more than a slightly irritating patch of sore skin, but in severe cases extensive areas of skin may become inflamed and unbearably itchy. It is hardly surprising that some people with these symptoms develop problems such as depression with low self-esteem, and have difficulty coping at school or work. Eczema sufferers are also more prone to herpes and wart infections of the skin.





Unfortunately, up to half of all babies with widespread atopic eczema will later develop asthma as the eczema improves. This phenomenon is referred to as the allergic march.





How to diagnose the cause?


If you have contact dermatitis, you must try to identify the cause and avoid the guilty substance. Patch tests are used to identify the cause. If you have atopic eczema, you may be able to find out what you are allergic to by having special tests for respiratory and food allergen. Once an allergen is identified, practical steps can then be taken to avoid it.





What treatment can you get?


Completely avoid the substance that triggers the rash and treat any existing rash with low-dose steroid ointments and vaseline based emollients. Atopic eczema is usually a little more difficult to treat and you may need to try a number of different treatments or a combination of treatments before finding out which is best for you. If you do have atopic eczema, you should regularly use liberal amounts of emollients (moisturising creams, ointments, lotions and bath oils) to soften and hydrate the skin.





Outbreaks of eczema are usually treated with steroid creams that reduce the inflammation of the skin. These nearly always make the eczema much better but cannot get rid of it completely. You may be given anti-histamines to make your skin less itchy. These should also help you to sleep better at night by reducing itch. In severe atopic eczema, you may be given a short course of oral steroid tablets.








'Wet wrapping' is sometimes used overnight, particularly on children





Antibiotics may occasionally be needed to treat impetigo and eczema flare-ups due to the staphylococcus bacterium. 'Wet wrapping' is sometimes used overnight, particularly on children, if emollients and steroid creams alone are not effective. The treatment involves applying wet tubular bandages over emollients and steroid creams to aid their absorption. This treatment also helps to relieve itching and prevent scratching. Evening Primrose Oil (or gamolenic acid) has been used to treat atopic eczema with disappointing results.





If your atopic eczema does not respond to conventional treatments, you may want to try Chinese herbal treatments. Results from medical trials have been encouraging, but it is important to remember that just because a treatment is 'herbal' or 'natural' does not mean it is safe for everyone.





Newer immuno-modulatory eczema creams called 'tacrolimus' and 'pimecrolimus' seem very effective for clearing eczema on sensitive skin such as the face and have no steroid side effects.





First aid


If you have atopic eczema you may find the following useful:





Take lukewarm baths with emollients and don't stay in the water too long.


Pat the skin dry with a towel, never rub eczematous skin dry.


Avoid soap, detergents and shampoo - use aqueous cream instead of soap.


Wear cotton fabrics next to your skin. Avoid wool and polyester. Don't wear tight-fitting clothes.


Clip your fingernails and don't scratch or rub the skin.


Avoid sports that make you sweat a lot.


Try to stay calm and relaxed - stress can make eczema worse.





Treatment


Atopic eczema cannot be cured. Treatments aim to control the symptoms.8





Home treatment


There are a number of over-the-counter remedies available from pharmacies to treat eczema including those below. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which treatment to use.





Emollients are moisturisers which soothe, smooth and add water to (hydrate) the skin. They are the most common treatment and should be used every day even if you do not have eczema symptoms.2,6,7 Examples include aqueous cream and E45 cream. You can apply emollients directly to your skin as lotions, creams or ointments. A good time to apply them is just after a bath, while your skin is still slightly moist.2 Oils or washes are also available, which you can use in the shower or add to a bath.


Mild steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone (eg Dermacort or Lanacort) can calm flare-ups of eczema by suppressing your body's inflammatory response.9 You should ask the pharmacist's advice or see your GP before using any steroid cream. The stronger steroids are only available on prescription (see below). You should continue to use emollients at the same time as steroid creams.2,7


Prescription drug treatments


If emollients and mild steroids don't treat your condition, there are a range of other treatment options that your doctor can prescribe.





Stronger steroid creams, such as betamethasone (eg Betnovate) are available on prescription. You should apply them sparingly and use the mildest cream that works as steroids may have side-effects. If you use a strong steroid for too long or on a delicate area of skin such as the face and armpits, it can thin the skin.6 This can make the skin more fragile leading to blemishes, wrinkles or visible small blood vessels.7 You should see your doctor for regular check-ups to prevent this happening and follow their advice or that of a pharmacist or nurse.


Oral steroids, such as prednisolone, are available as tablets to treat severe eczema.5 They are only used for short periods of time (typically a course of up to a week).4,6


Immunosuppressant tablets, such as azathioprine or ciclosporin, are prescribed for severe eczema. They can have severe side-effects so you should not take them for long periods - ask your doctor for more information.2,6


Topical immunosuppressants are creams or lotions that you apply to your skin to reduce inflammation. They may be prescribed to you if other treatments have not worked or you cannot use them due to side-effects.2 Examples include tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel).9 These are new treatments that do not contain steroids so they may have less side-effects but the long-term safety has not been evaluated.2,6


Antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin or erythromycin, will be prescribed if your, or your child's skin is infected.3,5,6


Antihistamine tablets can help people with eczema to sleep, but they are unlikely to ease itching.3,5,6


Hospital treatment


If your, or your child's, eczema is severe you may need hospital treatment. This will remove you from the environment that may be triggering your symptoms and the hospital staff will ensure that you are taking your treatments correctly.3


If your, or your child's, skin is infected with a herpes simplex infection, antiviral treatment will be given to you in hospital.3


For some people with eczema, ultra violet light treatment is helpful. This is usually given in hospital by a specialist.2,6


Complementary treatments


Some people find that complementary treatments such as herbal creams and homeopathy are helpful, although there is no firm scientific evidence for this.





Chinese herbal medicines may also help, but the active ingredients are poorly understood. Also, information about the quality and safety of the preparations is hard to obtain and side-effects such as liver damage have been reported.6





If you use additional creams on your skin, you should use reputable brands and tell your doctor about these as well as other treatments you are taking.
Reply:PRESENTATION:


The skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis reacts abnormally and easily to irritants, food and environmental allergens and becomes red, flaky and very itchy. It also becomes vulnerable to surface infections caused by bacteria. The skin on the flexural surfaces of the joints (for example inner sides of elbows and knees) are most commonly affected regions in people. In dogs with atopic dermatitis, the skin of the face, front feet and the ears are most commonly affected.





Atopic dermatitis in people often occurs together with other atopic diseases like hay fever, asthma and conjunctivitis. It is a familial and chronic disease and its symptoms can increase or disappear over time. There is no cure for it, but its symptoms can be managed with various treatments. Dogs with atopic dermatitis seldom have respiratory disease, but may be afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease.





Originally controversial, the association of food allergy with atopic dermatitis has now been clearly demonstrated, especially in severe disease of infancy. The same is true of the disease in domestic dogs.





Atopic dermatitis in older children and adults is often confused with psoriasis.





TREATMENT:


The disease severity can be reduced by minimizing drying of the skin and avoiding or minimizing contact with known allergens. The issue of allergies often complicates a case of atopic dermatitis.





Topical treatments focus on reducing the dryness of the skin. Moisturizers (Emollients) are available, some only by prescription.





Most soaps wash away the oils produced by the skin that normally serve to prevent drying. Using a soap substitute such as aqueous cream helps keep the skin moisturized.





If moisturizers on their own don't help, topical steroid ointments or creams may be used. These are safe provided they are prescribed by a doctor.





Although many people are intimidated by the term 'steroids,' their proper use can result in atopic dermatitis being brought under control.





Alternative medicines may (illegally) contain very strong steroids [1].





The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis.





Many of the same types of treatment are used in domestic dogs with atopic dermatitis. In addition, domestic dogs may be successfully managed with allergen-specific immunotherapy; many are treated with low-dose cyclosporine lipid emulsion.








OTHERS:


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 warm 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:


Skin care for atopic dermatitis.


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 health professional 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 medication to heal your rash and reduce itching.





Topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and fluticasone propionate) are the most common and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis.5 They are used until the rash clears and may be used to prevent atopic dermatitis flares. Topical medications, 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. However, 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.6 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. However, histamines are not always involved in atopic dermatitis itching and may not help all people with the condition.2


Antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications are used to treat an infected rash.
Reply:I have had it since 15 now 34 it is genetic and I was told


this by a dermatologist(MY OWN NOW RETIRED) it


fades but that varies,I now get it badly on my scalp thk


god I have regrown my hair. yes it sux but drugs like


roaccutane are dodgy over the real long term.





sorry
Reply:An allergic reaction can be from usage of foods or chemicals or drugs of any kind. She will need to see a doctor to clear up the problem.
Reply:here are some links...





Eczema and Atropic Dermatitis (sebborheic dermatitis,etc)





atropic dermatitis (eczema is one type) at govt. website


http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/derma...





National eczema Association


http://www.nationaleczema.org/lwe/abouta... (about atropic dermatitis)





Government clinical trials


http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/action/... (eczema)


http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?... (atropic dermatitis)





eczema topics on medline plus (national library of medicine)


http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/qu...





some possible vaccine problems with smallpox vaccine and people with atropic dermatitis (eczema is one type) (link above says people with eczema should NOT take the smallpox vaccine)


http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsrelea...





they say sometimes food allergies are involved..here are some links...


http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions...


http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_ecz...


http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_cond...





a general discussion of food allergies (govt website)


http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/food...





an eczema diet


http://kroniknya-duniaku.blogspot.com/20...





one woman's journey


http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ec...


http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ec...


http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ec...





another person's journey


http://www.eczemavoice.com/forum/message...





here is questions about eczema on yahoo answers


http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...


http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...





In Japan and turkey they have a treatment for it where you get into a sauna and let little fish eat off the eczema flesh.


http://www.realself.com/blog/psoriasis_t...





here is the hygiene hypothesis


http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=...





eczema vs psoriasis


http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=6909
Reply:Hi, I suffered from Eczema from age of 10, and it got worse over the years for a while then it got better. I tried all kind of cream including cream with antibiotics to reduce the inflammation. But it kept coming back. I also had an allergy test, but found not be allergic to any thing common. I believe it is some sort of genetics disorder unfortunately. The good thing is it will get better when she gets older. So, she just has to learn to accept it and also learn to control her urge to scratch when it itches. Since you are caring person, you should help her to build her self-esteem and give her some comfort. Also, as in one of the earlier comments, stress can increase it. In certain time of the year it can get worse – for me it was during the summer time, I think due to skin damaged by the Sun.





Now it has completely disappeared. If it starts again, I prevent spreading the infection by using little ESEPT Alcohol liquid then I immediately apply Veladerm Intensive Cream on the affected area. I regularly use Veladerm Body Lotion after shower. I do this when I get a small spot of itching. Then I do not scratch the affected area. Also I take care when washing not to break the skin. I think, once you start breaking the skin, infection spread and make it worse. So she has to learn to love her own body and be gentle when washing or treating the skin. It starts with accepting her condition.





Also encourage her to drink plenty of water/ fluid.





You can buy Veladerm creams and ESEPT from http://www.asm-group.com/veladerm.html





I hope it helps.