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Atopic Dermatitis FAQ

Atopic Dermatitis FAQ

How do I know if my child has atopic dermatitis?

For infants, the face, the elbow, knees, and the diaper areas are the most commonly affected areas. In children above the age of 3, the most common areas are behind the knees, inside the elbows, the ankles, and legs. In all cases, the rashes are dry, itchy, and often red. Scratching makes the rashes worse, and when severe, cracking and bleeding can occur, making the skin vulnerable to infection.

Do I need to take my child to see a doctor?

If you see any of the symptoms above, you have a good reason to visit a paediatrician or a dermatologist, who can make a proper diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis is a challenging skin problem that causes significant pain and discomfort to your child. It is important that you work with a doctor who has the expertise to help your child's skin. Additionally, there are some infections that can resemble symptoms of atopic dermatitis that require immediate treatment, so it is imperative that you get a proper diagnosis for your child's condition.

How common is atopic dermatitis?

10-20% of children have atopic dermatitis. 1-3% of adults have atopic dermatitis. The statistics vary considerably from location to location. This condition seems to be more common in developed countries. It is a very common condition for children.

Is atopic dermatitis curable?

It depends on what you mean by cure. There is no medication that will remove eczema permanently, as eczema is not an infection from a bacteria, virus, or fungus. It is better thought of as a tendency for developing dry and sensitive skin. The good news is that with proper treatment and prevention, eczema can be kept under control.

Is atopic dermatitis contagious?

No, atopic dermatitis is not contagious.

What is the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?

Strictly speaking, atopic eczema is a common type of eczema. Atopic refers to its hereditary nature (unusual), and dermatitis describes inflammation of the skin. Eczema is a general term that describes inflammation due to allergic or irritant reactions. In the context of this site, you can interpret them as referring to the same condition. For consistency, we will call it eczema.

Will my child outgrow eczema?

Eczema is often called a childhood disease. Up to 75% of patients who had childhood eczema have found that their eczema had improved significantly by the time that they were 20. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell which patient's eczema will improve. Environmental factors play a large role, and it is not uncommon to hear of stories where patients improved their eczema after moving their homes.

Why is my son/daughter's eczema worse in the winter?

One of the main symptoms of eczema is dryness in the skin (the other is itching). During the winter, it is both cold and dry, which are two factors that aggravate dryness. It is important to keep a moisturizer and any medication for eczema handy at all times during the winter, particularly if you live in a cold and dry area.

Related video: Treating dry skin or how moisturizers work

 
     
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