Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic eczema or dermatitis, is a very common skin disorder that affects up to one fifth of all children of school age. The main features of this condition are:
1. Extremely itchy skin
2. Dryness of the skin
3. Redness and inflammtion or soreness of the skin
Often all three features are present at the same time, this results in continued itcing of the affetced skin and more redness and soreness, the so-called "itch-scratch" cycle.
There is currently no cure for eczema, although there is continued research into the disease. In recent years a number of very imprtant scientific discoveries has led to newer treatments being developed.
Children with eczema often find their skin to be itchy all the time, but it is often worse at nighttime. When skin is continually itched the outer surface of the skin, known as the epidermis can become damaged and the skin may become infected with bacteria.
Infected eczema often appears wet, crusted and weepy. When the skin does look like this, it is essential that a physician or nusre should review the child, as he/she may require antibiotics or creams containing antibacterial agents.
