Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms and Treatment

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that usually occurs in skin folds such as in the bend of the elbows and knees and other creases. Atopic dermatitis symptoms manifest themselves when a person is on the verge of a flare up or is currently undergoing an attack of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis symptoms are actually manifestations of an allergic reaction that an individual has to allergens or irritants. There is actually no atopic dermatitis cure but there are ways and means to control and manage the skin condition.

Although the initial sign that one might have this skin condition is not in the atopic dermatitis symptoms but in the genes. Atopic dermatitis is passed down from relative to relative but this does not mean all relative will have it. The passing down of the gene with makes one prone to atopic dermatitis not predictable.

Atopic dermatitis symptoms include red, itchy skin and the manifestation of blisters, flakes, scales and cracks on the skin. Other atopic dermatitis symptoms are swollen, leathery skin that has a fine shine to it. This is due to the constant rubbing or friction that a person does to the affected area to relieve the itch that comes with the skin condition. Red spots or pustules are also atopic dermatitis symptoms that can be a source of extreme itchiness. The urge to scratch the skin is almost undeniable and a person needs treatment to be able to handle and control the atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Avoidance of allergens and irritants is the best way to prevent flare ups. Moisturizing skin routinely can also help to prevent the occurrence of atopic dermatitis symptoms like dry scaly skin. If these preventive measures do not work, the application of topical steroids is an option that is relatively safe and effective for mild cases of atopic dermatitis symptoms' manifestations. The constant use of topical steroids can thin skin which can also be a factor to sensitive skin. It is best to follow instructions regarding how long and how often these are to be applied on the skin.

Other medications which are to be taken orally may be more effective for severe atopic dermatitis symptoms but these usually have side effects which may affect one's health in the long run. Immunomodulators and inhibitors may have side effects that permanently suppress one's immune system if used for a long period of time. Doctors usually prescribe these for less than a week.