Dr Rajesh M Buddhadev, MBBS, MD (Dermatology), Dermatologist and Dermatosurgeon (Since 1987), NU Skin World©, Surat, Gujarat, INDIA Former: Vice-President, IADVL National, Former: President, IADVL Gujarat, Chairperson: ITAQ, Int. Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology
Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects the face (cheeks), neck, arms, and legs but usually spares the groin and Axillary regions. AD usually starts in early infancy, but also affects a substantial number of adults. AD is commonly associated with elevated levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). That it is the first disease to present in a series of allergic diseases—including food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, in order—has given rise to the “Atopic march” theory, which suggests that AD is part of a progression that may lead to subsequent allergic disease at other epithelial barrier surfaces.
Persistent pruritus (itchiness) is the main symptom of AD. The disease typically has an intermittent course with flares and remissions occurring, often for unexplained reasons.
Primary physical findings include the following:
The eczematous changes and its morphology are seen in different locations, depending on the age of the patient (i.e., infant, child, or adult).
The following is a group of symptoms and features commonly seen in AD:
To add more on recent therapeutic options in adult Atopic Dermatitis (Till now it was mainly considered as disease of Infants and childhood mainly, we have seen recent shift to adult AD also)
Points to Ponder:
Based on our clinical experience and literature here are our recommendations for Management of Atopic Dermatitis:
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