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Atopic Dermatitis - An Itchy Inflammation Of The Skin

Dr. Sridhar Gogineni 90% (111 ratings)
MD - Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy, MBBS
Dermatologist,  •  11 years experience
Atopic Dermatitis - An Itchy Inflammation Of The Skin

Especially common in children, but not entirely impossible in adults, Atopic Dermatitis is a type of eczema, a chronic condition that causes intensive itching and red rashes in and around areas of dry and sensitive skin. Atopic dermatitis has a tendency to flare and then subside periodically and is often accompanied by hay fever or asthma or other allergies. In more serious cases, clear, fluid-filled blisters are also formed.


Signs and symptoms normally associated with atopic dermatitis may include:

  1. Itching, which may be severe at nocturnal periods of the day
  2. Dry or cracked, scaly skin
  3. Reddish brown patches in almost any area of the body
  4. Swollen and sensitive skin after scratching
  5. Small, raised blisters which may leak when scratched


The exact causes of atopic dermatitis are unknown. It can, however, be related to any of the following factors:

  1. Dry and irritable skin
  2. Immune system dysfunction
  3. Gene variations which affect the skin’s barrier function
  4. Action of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, on the sensitive areas of skin
  5. Environmental conditions


If you have Atopic Dermatitis, you are likely to be troubled by the following complications:

  1. Chronic, itchy skin
  2. Increased risk of acquiring other skin diseases and viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus
  3. Asthma and hay fever
  4. Eye problems such as blepharitis and conjunctivitis
  5. Allergic contact dermatitis
  6. Sleep disorders
  7. Irritant hand dermatitis
  8. Behavioral problems such as attention deficit or hyperactivity disorders

Treatment and drugs:

If the problem still persists even after regular moisturising and other self-care steps, you may have to take medications and prescribe to certain drugs such as:

  1. Anti-itching and anti-inflammatory creams
  2. Anti-itching oral drugs
  3. Anti-inflammatory oral or injected drugs
  4. Calcineurin inhibitors that repair the skin
  5. Drugs to fight infection
  6. Wet dressings therapy
  7. Light therapy
  8. Stress treatment therapy

If excessive hair is stopping you from living and enjoying your life, consult a dermatologist who can help you with an effective treatment.

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