Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

Basics

Description

  • Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, which is the broader term for inflammatory skin conditions, although both terms are often used interchangeably:
    • Included in “atopic triad” of allergic diseases: Asthma, allergies, dermatitis
    • Chronic disorder that starts in childhood and often persists into adulthood
  • Eczema translates from the Greek word “to boil over” and refers to spongiosis, the process where microvesicles form and rupture, leaving edema, crusting, and oozing
  • Pruritus is highly characteristic:
    • Patient scratching causes skin breakdown with oozing and crusting
    • Chronic response is epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis
  • 90% of patients are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus and prone to episodes of superinfection

Genetics

  • Family history of atopy (asthma, allergies)
  • Mutation of the filaggrin protein (part of the epidermal barrier) is strongly associated

Risk Factors

External Factors

  • Environmental triggers like irritants and allergens
  • Stress

Etiology

Atopic dermatitis is caused by a deficit in epidermal integrity that allows foreign substances to enter and trigger immune responses

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