Atopic dermatitis, or more commonly known as eczema, is a skin disease that’s characterized by itchy, scaly, inflamed, and cracked skin. This skin condition can occur at any age, but it more commonly develops in babies and young children, and tends to be long-lasting. However, as a person ages, his or her chances of developing eczema decreases. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious and can’t be contracted through skin to skin contact, although it may be common for patients to also suffer from seasonal allergies (i.e., hay fever) or asthma. It is also typical for patients with eczema to have a secondary infection from staphylococcus (staph bacteria).

Let’s examine the causes, symptoms, and treatments for atopic dermatitis further:

1. Causes of eczema
While the exact causes of atopic dermatitis are still not known, there is evidence that suggests this condition develops through genetic, environmental, or immunology factors. Families with a history of atopy or a reaction similar to allergies may be prone to irritation that could trigger an allergic reaction. There are also some cases where food allergies can cause eczema.

2. Atopic dermatitis symptoms
The following symptoms of atopic dermatitis can develop anywhere in the body, but are most common on the arms, legs, face, and neck:

• Lichenification: This skin condition is characterized by thick and leathery skin. This texture is caused by continuous scratching or rubbing of the same skin area. The skin’s outer layer thickened because of the irritation. Dead skin cells are sticking in the surface, which can appear cracky and similar to the appearance of tree bark. One of the best ways to treat Lichenification is by applying corticosteroid creams or injections. Antihistamines are also used in some cases. In some cases, the skin appears scaly too.
• Skin inflammation: The inflammation of skin occurs when the allergen causes an overreaction of the immune system. Just like in Lichenification, the inflammation in the skin can be reduced by using corticosteroid creams. Calcineurin inhibitors are also effective in skin inflammation reduction. Usually, acute inflammation lasts six weeks or less, but chronic inflammation can stay beyond that range and can stay indefinitely.
• Dirty Neck: Also known as “Black Neck”, is a hyperpigmentation in the neck area that can occur in people with atopic dermatitis. The hyperpigmentation appears like patches of dark dead skins and can cover the whole neck up to the lower part of the shoulder. This is achieved through intense and excessive scratching of the neck’s surface and is first noticed on patients who are 11 to 20 years old. By controlling Eczema, the hyperpigmentation that causes the skin color to change is expected to stop.
• Raw, sensitive skin: The skin becomes more sensitive and swollen due to scratching. It is important to keep the affected skin clean dry and avoid scratching so the skin surface will have time to heal. To prevent this from happening, avoid scratching or rubbing the area harshly.
• Red bumps and crusts: The skin will start looking crusty and will have more red bumps when the condition gets too much. When scratched, these bumps which are known as papules can be opened, and thus becoming crusty and can because of other infections.