Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. It is usually associated with a personal or
family history of asthma or hay fever. The rashes usually begin in infancy and may
vary in severity during childhood and adolescence. They tend to become less of a
problem in adulthood. The rash may appear as dryness, itching, and blisters. It
may appear on the face, hands, arms, legs, or trunk. The exact cause of this disorder
is unknown, but it may be due to genetics and environmental factors. Stress can
make atopic dermatitis worse, but it doesn't cause it.
Atopic dermatitis cannot be cured, but a variety of measures can control it, such
as wearing cotton clothing, avoiding scented soaps, and not overscrubbing while
bathing. Most important, individuals with any form of dermatitis must not scratch
their rashes since scratching makes the condition worse and heightens the risk for
infection.
Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema. Common types of eczema include:
Hand Eczema
Hands are frequent sites of inflammatory eruptions and occur most frequently in
persons who work with their hands immersed in water, such as food preparers, nurses,
or florists.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is a chronic dermatitis characterized by inflamed, coin-shaped,
crusted and scaling lesions. The lesions itch and may appear on the arms, legs,
trunk, and buttocks. This condition is most common in middle aged and older people,
especially those with excessively dry skin. Nummular eczema may worsen with stress
but isn't caused by it. Physicians often recommend a topical corticosteroid as well
as keeping the skin adequately moisturized and hydrated.
Contact dermatitis >
