Prem Menon, M.D. Vimla Menon, M.D.
1-800-DR-MENON (1-800-376-3666)
Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Center
Home | Allergy Information | Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Atopic eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is the most common chronic skin disorder, often caused or compounded by allergies to foods. An increase in the worldwide prevalence of atopic eczema has been observed.
While atopic dermatitis can occur at any age, it is the most common childhood skin disease, with a lifetime prevalence of 10 to 20% in children.
In this condition, the skin is dry, itchy and inflamed. First comes an intense feeling of itching - then rash appears, followed by more itch. Hence the patient has vicious cycles of itch - scratch - rash - more itch. A common description of eczema is the ‘itch that rashes’. The persistent sensation of intense itching causes loss of sleep for the patients and caretakers, staphylococcal superinfection of the skin lesions, thickening of the skin and hyperpigmentation and diminished quality of life for the patient and family.
At different ages, the physical appearance of Eczema can vary:
*Eczema is NOT contagious*
Certain triggers can make an eczema rash worse such as:
Atopic eczema is often the first manifestation of the atopic patient’s "ALLERGY MARCH" i.e. march from Eczema - to Hay Fever - to Asthma.
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