Atopic dermatitis also known as eczema is chronic, intensely itchy rash that most commonly develops during early childhood-baby eczema. Baby eczema manifests commonly as baby eczema on the face.  The causes of eczema may be genetic.  The causes are due to a defect in epidermis as well as immunological abnormalities in the dermis (second layer of the skin).  Eczema in children is often associated with asthma. Baby eczema can persist into adolescence as well as into adulthood.  Furthermore it is not uncommon for eczema to start in adolescence or adulthood. In adults the common locations for eczema are;  scalp eczema, ear eczema, face eczema, nipple eczema,, eczema on the neAfrck, eczema on the legs, eczema on the foot, eczema on the elbows, eczema on the lips, foot eczema, eczema on the penis, and severe eczema can manifest on the entire skin surface.

There are a few variations of eczema- dyshidrotic eczema which is an extremely itchy rash that manifests as coalesced vesicles ( eczema blisters)= eczema blisters.  Dyshydrosis as is most cases of severe tend to be brought on by stress. Many medical students get dyshidrosis when applying to residency programs.  Many people who get divorced or lose their job get dyshidrosis eczema  .

Another type is nummular eczema which manifests itself as quarter size patches scattered all over the body.  An eczema flare up can also be brought on by a contact allergen. The allergen can be dust, pollen, perfume, preservatives in various products ex-formaldehyde-  that are exposed to the skin.

Hand dermatitis and finger dermatitis is very common and very itchy and very difficult to work with.  Cracking, bleeding itching skin on the hands and fingers is no joke and impairs quality of life.Most people with hand dermatitis tend to wash their hands too frequently let's say more than five times per day. A great home remedy to help improve hand dermatitis is to stop washing hands with soap and water and switch to washing hands with cetaphil cleanser (no soap, no water) and then apply Neutrogena Hand Cream Norwegian Formula.

African Americans have have increased frequency of eczema  .Eczema on black skin requires special attention.  Applying moisturizer, and the best creams for eczema , such as Cetaphil cream, Aveeno cream, or Aquaphor ointment daily or twice daily will help prevent drying of the skin and decrease itching.

The causes of eczema is due to two basic factors.  In the epidermis (the upper layers of the skin) the epidermal cells (keratinocytes) are held together by a sticky substance. In eczema one of the molecules (fillagrin) is lacking.  The lack of fliagrin results in openings between the epidermal cells (keratinocytes) and then foreign substances from the outside world (allergens), microbes, irritants. can percolate through the abnormal epidermis they arrive into the dermis.  In the dermis these outside world agents activate the immune system.  The activated immune system through T-lymphocytes start producing excessive amounts of histamine which result in itching and eczema.

not contagious, eczema can often become infected. The reason for this is because the eczematous skin does not produce adequate protection from bacteria, and subsequently the skin becomes infected with staph.   A good home remedy for infected eczematous skin is to soak in a bleach bath for 20 minutes, containing a quarter cup of Clorox in bath tub full of water every other day for a week.

About 70% of children who develop atopic dermatitis, their eczema may go away by the time they are ten years old.  However the other 30% may have a chronic course that waxes and wanes for lifetime.

Although atopic dermatitis is 

Many children with eczema have ADD, because they itch, scratch, cannot stay still, cannot focus.

In adulthood eczema , they itch at night, cannot sleep, and go work tired- known as Presenteeism, went to work  but not focused because of their disease, or even absenteeism- seen frequently in the atopic dermatitis population because the severe eczema.

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Eczema is not psoriasis.  For one eczema is associated asthma, hay fever, whereas psoriasis is associated with arthirits. Eczema when infected can be contagious, psoriasis is not.  Psoriasis is a result of an increase in the growth rate of the epidermal cells (kertinocytes) whereas eczema is due to a separation of the epidermal cells. Scientists have shown that causes of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are caused from two different parts of the immune system.

Excellent skin care remains the cornerstone to eczema therapy.  Especially in the colder months when the eczematous skin is dryer it is preferable to bathe with Aveeno powder three times a weeks rather than showering.  Throughout the year pat dry gently when leaving the shower or bath and while the skin is moist immediately apply moisturizing cream and then apply a second  time a day as well.

Avoid wool clothing if you have eczema, whether it be mild or severe eczema.   Avoid perfumes and fragrances as they may induce your immune system to activate, produce more histamine and make you itch.

Treatment depends as to the severity of you atopic dermatitis , that is to say how extensive it is on your body,  localized (five percent) of your body, ex: face eczema, or where on your body ;hand eczema

 

zes Once you realize your home remedies are not improving your symptoms- rash, itching, scratching, impaired sleep, It is time to see a dermatologist who specializes in eczema. To find a dermatologist that specializes in eczema  remember there are many great dermatologist but many are focused on cosmetics.  You need to see one who specializes in eczema.  You can go on line and look up if any dermatologists in your area are on the National Eczema Associations.  You can also call up dermatology offices in your area ask if they do clinical trials in Eczema.  If they dom you do not have to do a clinical trial, but it gives you a good idea that they treat a lot of people with eczema

For mild eczema, face eczema, nipple eczema , ear eczema, penis eczma topical corticosteroid treatment - low potency- because these area are thin - or topical calcineurin phosphatase inhibitor ointments are generally effective.  For localized areas on the rest of the body higher potency topical corticosteroids are helpful but are limited to a two to four week treatment period due the fact that higher potency topical steroids may thin out the skin resulting in stretch marks.