Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, typically presents as dry, red, itchy skin which can be severe in nature.

The patches may occur on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp. Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood.

For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years. It most often occurs in people who have seasonal allergies and asthma. Treatment is directed at increasing moisture in the skin, repairing the skin barrier, and decreasing inflammation.