5-Minute Emergency Consult
Eczema/atopic Dermatitis
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Basics
Description
- Atopic dermatitis is the most common cause of eczema and the terms are often used synonymously:
- Associated with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis
- Eczema literally means “out boil” and refers to spongiosis, the process where microvesicles form and rupture, leaving erythema, 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 colonize with Staphylococcus aureus, and are prone to episodes of superinfection
Risk Factors
Genetics- Family history of atopy (asthma, allergic rhinitis)
- Mutation of the filaggrin protein (part of the epidermal barrier) is strongly associated
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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Basics
Description
- Atopic dermatitis is the most common cause of eczema and the terms are often used synonymously:
- Associated with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis
- Eczema literally means “out boil” and refers to spongiosis, the process where microvesicles form and rupture, leaving erythema, 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 colonize with Staphylococcus aureus, and are prone to episodes of superinfection
Risk Factors
Genetics- Family history of atopy (asthma, allergic rhinitis)
- Mutation of the filaggrin protein (part of the epidermal barrier) is strongly associated
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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