A Simple Guide to Atopic Dermatitis

A Simple Guide to Atopic Dermatitis
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What is Atopic Dermatitis?
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Atopic Dermatitis is a common skin condition which presents as a chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood.

Atopic Dermatitis clears and often disappears with age.

What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
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The causes of Atopic Dermatitis is unknown.
However some possible causes are:
1.Genetic

Genes play a part in Atopic Dermatitis as the condition runs in families

2.External causes

a.abnormal response of the body’s immune system play a part in the development of Atopic Dermatitis.

b.damage to the skin barrier may lead to dryness and inflammation of the skin

c.irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching.

Atopic Dermatitis is not contagious .

Who is at risk of Atopic Dermatitis?
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Atopic Dermatitis occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.

1.Those who are genetically predisposed

2.Those exposed to environmental triggers

a.rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness.

b.feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak.

c.certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants,

d.contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats,

e.food allergens in childhood such as cow's milk, hen's egg,peanuts, nuts, shellfish

f.dust mites,

g.animal saliva and faeces may trigger itching.

h.Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.

i.Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.

Many people who have Atopic Dermatitis also suffer from Atopic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.

Atopic Dermatitis affects both sexes equally.

Where does Atopic Dermatitis appear?
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Atopic Dermatitis can occur on just about any part of the body

In infants, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

In children and adults, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.

In some people, Atopic Dermatitis may "bubble up" and ooze.

In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.

Chronic scratching usually make the skin worse taking on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).

What are the symptoms and signs of Atopic Dermatitis?
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Typical features of Atopic Dermatitis are:

1.dry,

2.red,

3.extremely itchy patches on the skin.

4.Oozing of the rash

5.Thickening of the skin

How is Atopic Dermatitis diagnosed?
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1.History and appearance of the rash

2.Screening test for food allergy

3.Blood test for specific antibodies to food substances

How can Atopic Dermatitis be treated?
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Treatment of an Atopic Dermatitis treatment routine is:

1. prevent scratching.

2. application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible after bathing (within three minutes is a common recommendation) so that the moisture from the bath is "locked in."

3.Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.

4.application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation
if the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily.

Hydrocortisone cream and ointment are preferred to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.

5.For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).

6.topical or oral antibiotics may be needed for the skin infection which may affect the dry inflamed skin.

7.sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch

8.Tar treatments can have positive effects; however, tar can be messy.

9.Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).

10.cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response; however, this is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.

How can Atopic Dermatitis be prevented?
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Atopic Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions.

The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:

Moisturize frequently

Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity

Avoid sweating or overheating

Dress the child in breathable cotton clothes

Reduce stress

Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)

Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)

Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods

A Simple Guide to Ichthyosis

A Simple Guide to Ichthyosis
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What is Ichthyosis?
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Ichthyosis is a rare non contagious disease of the keratin of the skin where there is reduction of sweat and sebaceous secretions.

The word Ichthus means fish.

So Ichthyosis means fish like appearance of the skin.


Who is at risk of Ichthyosis?
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a family history of ichthyosis


What are the causes of Ichthyosis?
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Most forms of ichthyosis are due to:

A.genetic conditions:
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1.Ichthyosis vulgaris 95% -autosomal dominant
2.X-linked ichthyosis -sex linked recessive
3.Ichthyosis lamellaris - autosomal recessive usually in newborns
4.Harlequins Ichthyosis -autosomal recessive
5.Bullous Ichthyosis - autosomal dominant

B.Acquired Ichthyosis
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6.Ichthyosis acquisita occur in :
leprosy,
hypothyroidism,
lymphoma,
sarcoidosis,
Hodgkin disease

7.Xeroderma - is a mild form of ichthyosis, occurs in middle aged and older patients.


What are Signs and symptoms of Ichthyosis?
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Symptoms:

1.extensor surface of limbs covered with dry scales(rarely the whole body is covered).

2.axilla and antecubal fossa (elbows,armpits,groins,back of knee)not affected

3.Usually symptoms present in childhood but improve during puberty to becoming worst again in later life.

4.Rashes can be extremely itchy in xeroderma

5.The condition is worse in colder weather.

6.Hair may be thin and dry.

7.Nails are brittle and dry.


How is the diagnosis of Ichthyosis made?
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1.Appearance of the skin

2.Family history of Ichthyosis

2.Skin biopsy for microscopic examination.


What are the complications of Ichthyosis?
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1.keratisis with corneal and ocular surface disease

2.Ectropion of eyelids due to dehydration

3.Deafness in a Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness (KID)Disease


What is the treatment of Ichthyosis?
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There is no cure for Ichthyosis.

1.Symptomatic treatment with emolient creams such as petroleum jelly my help to hydrate the skin.

2.Itch may be controlled with antihistamines

3.Hydration with propylene glycol solution will help

4.Urea in emulsion creams has also help the dry skin

5.Topical or oral retinoic acid has brought some improvement to the skin.

6.Exposure to the sun may improve or worsen the condition.


What is the prognosis of Ichthyosis ?
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It is a lifelong condition and need continuous treatment.


What are the Preventive measures taken for Ichthyosis ?
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There is no known preventive measure for ichthyosis

A Simple Guide to Pityriasis Rosea

A Simple Guide to Pityriasis Rosea
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What is Pityriasis Rosea?
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Pityriasis Rosea is a common non contagious disease which appears as numerous patches of red rash on the trunk of the body.


Who is at risk of Pityriasis Rosea?
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All ages and both sex are affected but occurs more between 10 -35 years of age.


What are the causes of Pityriasis Rosea?
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The cause is unknown but a viral infection is suspected to cause it.


What are Signs and symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea?
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Symptoms:

1.A single red large patch of rashes or herald patch usually occur 1-20 days on the body before the onset of numerous small patches.

2.sore throat may occur before the onset of rashes

3.Numerous Large patches of red oval-shaped rash on the body may occur on the chest, back and neck.

4. As the rashes subside on the body, they may spread to the groin and extremities like the legs and arms

5.Rashes can be extremely itchy

6.breathlessness

7.low-grade fever

8.headache

9.nausea

10.fatigue.


How is the diagnosis of Pityriasis Rosea made?
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1.Symptoms and signs of typical herald patch followed by other patches of rashes

2.Skin scraping for microscopic examination.


What are the complications of Pityriasis Rosea?
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1.Fungal infection

2.bacterial infection


What is the treatment of Pityriasis Rosea?
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1.No treatment may be necessary as the illness is self limiting

2.Itch may be controlled with antihistamines

3.Corticosteroid (oral or cream) may help reduce severe itching and inflammation

4.Soap should be avoided because it irritate the skin.

5.Moisturizer is better because of the dry skin

6.UV therapy sometimes help

7.Antibiotics may be given if there is secondary infection.


What is the prognosis of Pityriasis Rosea ?
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Generally excellent but may recur.


What are the Preventive measures taken for Pityriasis Rosea ?
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1.Good skin hygiene

2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and adequate sleep.

3.Proper skin care of the body.