Overview
What is pediatric atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (at·o·pic - der·ma·ti·tis) is a severe form of eczema that causes scaly and itchy rashes. In most cases, it first appears in infants between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. As many as 15 to 20 percent of children have atopic dermatitis but for some of them, symptoms will disappear by the time they reach early adulthood.
Atopic dermatitis typically involves skin folds but may also include the cheeks, trunk, arms and legs. Many children with this condition have a personal or family history of seasonal allergies or asthma.
Your child may complain of itching, which is followed by a red rash. Your child's symptoms may be continuous or they may come and go. If your child scratches these patches, it can promote infection. Many children outgrow the condition or have milder cases as adults. For others, it is a chronic condition that requires more than one treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric atopic dermatitis?
Bumpy skin (especially on the thighs or on the back of the arms)
Discharge or bleeding from the ears
Dry skin over large areas of the body
Excessive itching (which may begin before a rash appears)
Leathery or thick skin (from long-term scratching)
Oozing, crusting blisters surrounded by redness or inflammation
Rashes
Raw patches of skin (from scratching)
Skin discoloration (mottled)
Diagnosis
How is pediatric atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
To diagnose atopic dermatitis, your child’s doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask some general health questions.
Causes
What are the causes of pediatric atopic dermatitis?
The exact causes of atopic dermatitis aren't known, but it may be an autoimmune disorder triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Children with a parent who has atopic dermatitis are more likely to develop it, as are those with a parent who has hay fever or asthma.
Seasonal allergens, certain soaps and detergents, weather changes, stress and even food allergies can trigger or worsen an atopic dermatitis flare-up.
Treatment
How is pediatric atopic dermatitis treated?
Because atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, it is important that your child stays away from triggers and avoids scratching affected areas of the skin.
Treatments may include:
Antihistamines to reduce itching
Antibiotic creams (for skin infections)
Immune-suppressing drugs including cyclosporine, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil
Keeping your child's fingernails cut short to prevent intense scratching
Limited use of systemic steroids
Lubricating your child's skin with ointments (petroleum jelly) or creams and lotions
Topical corticosteroid creams or moisturizers (prescribed by your child's doctor)
Phototherapy (a type of UV light therapy)
Using a humidifier to keep the air moist
Things to avoid include:
Chemicals and solvents
Exposure to water for long periods of time (give your child shorter, cooler baths)
Foods that may cause allergic reactions
Irritants such as cigarette smoke or pollution
Sudden changes in temperature
Stress
Scrubbing or drying the skin
Soaps or detergents that include alcohol, scents or dyes
Wool or synthetic clothing
