Atopic dermatitis usually develops in early childhood and is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. The main symptom is a rash that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees, but can also appear anywhere.

There are a number of different types of dermatitis, some of which are caused by factors within the body and others caused by triggers from outside the body. There are a range of dermatitis types that affect the skin in a variety of different ways.

Atopic Eczema is the most common form of eczema and can usually be linked with other medical conditions such as hay fever and asthma. Usually inherited genetically, atopic eczema relates to the individual losing their skin barrier, which can lead to the skin losing moisture. This also means that microbes and other immune system stimulants can get in, creating inflammation, dryness, redness and itchiness. Individuals often find that their skin is very sensitive to materials such as wool, soaps and perfumes and avoiding these products can improve symptoms.

Contact Eczema (irritant and allergic contact eczema) occurs when a stimulus from outside the body causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed. A common cause of contact eczema is occupational exposure, for example, healthcare workers washing their hands frequently with soaps or beauticians and hairdressers working with chemicals in products such as nail polish and hair dyes. Contact dermatitis can affect any part of the body, but the hands and face are the most commonly affected areas.

As there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Treatment can include:

Eczema Treatments

• Reducing Trigger
  Exposure
• Regular
  Moisturising
• Immuno-
  suppressive Drugs
• Oral
  Corticosteroids
• Antihistamines
• Phototherapy
• Antibiotics
• Topical
  Steroids

Frequently asked questions