Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing and remitting skin condition with a strong
genetic component. It is associated with a family history of atopy, which includes
asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. It most commonly presents under the age of
five. In American children the prevalence is over 10%, and this number is growing.
DIAGNOSIS
- Most common symptom is pruritic skin, plus three of the following:
- Dry skin
- Involvement of skin creases, including areas of the ankles, neck, antecubital
and popliteal fossae, and periorbital skin - Dermatitis visible on flexor surfaces
- Symptoms prior to age two
CLINICAL FEATURES
- Infantile Stage: pruritic, scaly, erythematous plaques and crusty lesions on
extensor surfaces, cheeks, and scalp; acute lesions may be vesicular and weep
exudate
- Child Stage: lichenified plaques with less exudation on flexor surfaces,
especially on the ankles, wrist, neck, and antecubital and popliteal fossae
- Adult Stage: thickened, lichenified skin with excoriated and fibrotic papules;
common sites include the antecubital and popliteal fossae, neck, wrists, and
forearms.
- Due to abnormal skin barrier function and immune dysregulation,
Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus are common infections in
these patients
TREATMENT
- Avoidance of exacerbating factors:
- Preventing dry skin with emollients and moisturizers
- Allergy testing and immunotherapy to combat irritating allergens
- Topical corticosteroids: triamcinolone, betamethasone, fluocinolone, topical
immunomodulators (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus) - Severe cases may require methotrexate
If you have a patient in need of specialized evaluation or treatment for a suspicious skin lesion, call Sunflower Dermatology & Medical Day Spa
SCHEDULE YOUR EVALUATION OR TREATMENTS
AT SUNFLOWER DERMATOLOGY – KANSAS CITY
Treatments are performed by Licensed Aestheticians overseen by Board-Certified Dermatologists at both our Riverside and St. Joseph, MO Locations.
Our Riverside Location:
805 NW Platte Rd., Suite 120
Riverside, MO 64150 | CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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Our St. Joseph Location:
805 N 36th St., Suite D
St. Joseph, MO 64506 | CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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