Atopic dermatitis: what is it?

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczemais a chronic inflammatory skin disease that develops in flare-ups.

It affects 10 to 20% of children and 2 to 3% of adults in the West; the frequency is increasing in developing countries, suggesting that environmental factors play a role in the disease.

Atopic dermatitis in babies

Atopic eczema often begins in infants around three months with an attack on the cheeks which are dry and red, sometimes oozing. In children, it is often characterized by drought cutaneous with red and dry patches predominant in the folds of the elbows, knees and trunk.

The fight against dryness of the skin is paramount. Sometimes, one is obliged to resort to topical corticosteroids (creams with cortisone).

Atopic dermatitis in adults

The atopic dermatitis most often ends at the onset of adolescence or adulthood. However, it is estimated that approximately 10% of patients continue to suffer from atopic dermatitis into adulthood.

It takes the form of patches of chronic eczema, lichenified (thickened), sometimes with isolated papules of prurigo, affecting the quality of life. The areas most frequently affected are the hands, the face, especially the eyelids, as well as the large folds. Here too, the fight against the dryness of the skin is important; topical corticosteroids are used, as are phototherapy even immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin.