Atopic Dermatitis

Question 1

What is atopic dermatitis more commonly known as?

Answer 1

Eczema

Question 2

What is eczema?

Answer 2

Inflammatory disorder of the skin

Question 3

What are the prominent features of eczema?

Answer 3

Significant pruritis and generalized dry skin

Question 4

Is it possible for eczema to disappear on its own?

Answer 4

Some children may outgrow atopic dermatitis, but a proportion of patients will have persistent disease into adulthood

Question 5

Is eczema an autoimmune diseae?

Answer 5

No. Eczema is the overreaction of the immune system, but it doesn’t involve the body attacking its own tissue.

Question 6

What other conditions are associated with atopic eczema?

Answer 6

Asthma, allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, food allergies

Question 7

What are non-pharm prevention methods for atopic dermatitis?

Answer 7

-Daily moisturizer in infants
-Maternal use of probiotics during pregnancy
-Maternal and/or infant probiotic use during breastfeeding

Question 8

What are non-pharm choices that can benefit eczema?

Answer 8

Reduce environmental irritants (perfumed products, wool, dry grass and leaves)
Stress reduction if that causes flares

Question 9

Is there evidence for benefit of AD with dietary interventions?

Answer 9

No