Those who suffer from eczema or dermatitis typically experience the nasty cycle of itch-scratch-swell-crust over and over again until the skin gets highly irritated and perhaps infected. As you have probably discovered, perhaps the hard way, many things can set off the itching—the soap you used in the shower, today’s dry weather, or the food you had for lunch. Or it could be atopic dermatitis—a mysterious non-contagious type of eczema common to people with allergic disorders like hay fever and asthma and prevalent in children.

Atopic dermatitis is a type of skin hypersensitivity affecting a large population in the entire world. It affects 10-20% of children in the US alone. It usually runs in families, and largely plagues infants. It is characterized by intense itching that could leave kids scratch like a maniac.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Atopic dermatitis is chronic and recurring. Although the exact pathology remains unknown, a number of contributing factors have already been identified. Genetic factors have been proven to exist, although no specific gene has been identified to cause this. Another hypothesis is the disruption of the skin barriers that causes water loss and eventually dryness which is known to provoke itchiness. In response to scratching, immediate redness appears on the skin. Lesions develop secondary to the trauma of scratching and appear in areas of increased sweating.

Little is known if food is exactly a contributing factor to the development of atopic dermatitis. However food allergies (peanuts, shellfish, dairy, and poultry) are often present in children with atopic dermatitis. Other causes are dry and cold weather, skin infection, food allergens, airborne allergens (e.g. dust mite), and hygiene.

The condition presents with:

• itching
• redness
• swelling of the skin
• blistering
• crusting
• flaking
• bleeding
• pain
• sorenes

It usually appears on skin folds and creases like the neck, back of the knee, inside of elbows, buttocks and even on the scalp and face.

What your Doctor can do for you

The physician will need assess any history of allergies of any type. Most patients also present with significant elevations of IgE and eosinophils in the blood. Skin tests may also be useful for confirmation. He will also need to know if there is anyone in the family that has the condition. The doctor will also diagnose whether the dermatitis is really atopic dermatitis, or other types like seborrheic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, or xerotic eczema.

Treatment for atopic dermatitis is individualized. Guidelines for management include:

• hydration—keeping the skin moisturized with daily baths in addition to topical skin moisturizers
• prescription of hydrocortisone (corticosteroid/anti-inflammatory) dream
• antibiotics for bacterial infection
• use of oral histamines like diphenhydramine
• low doses of cyclosporine (immunosuppressant) may also be effective however, this medication is only available with a doctor’s prescription

What you can do

Determining the cause of the dermatitis is really important, but if you can’t think of anything because of the itchy sensation, the following measures may be helpful:

• Cool the itching with a cool compress. Another alternative is a cool milk compress. Protein in the milk is said to relieve the itching.
• Apply cream, lotion, or moisturizer to prevent dryness. A thin film of Calamine will do the trick.
• Wear loose, cotton clothing. Do not use wool or synthetic fabrics as these tend to irritate the skin.
• DON’T scratch. As much as possible avoid scratching the affected area. You can break the skin and cause a secondary infection.
• Take antihistamines—oral antihistamines. Sedating ones should be taken at night.
• Take a colloidal bath. That means adding oatmeal or baking soda to the water to make it more soothing. Names like Aveno are common in the market. If you’re using oatmeal, place the dry oatmeal inside a cheesecloth or piece of gauze, and run the water through it then throw out the oatmeal. Use mild soap like Dove. Rinse thoroughly and pat away excess moisture. Apply moisturizer right after.
• Avoid staying long in swimming pools. The chemicals in the pool can irritate the skin. If this cannot be avoided, be sure to rinse after swimming.
• Check what you are eating. If you suspect an association between food allergies and eruption of atopic dermatitis, omit it from your diet. Consult your physician fr some diet planning.