Atopic Dermatitis Flashcards
def
inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, red itchy skin with a chronic relapsing course
what is atopic dermatitis also called
atopic eczema
epi
common in childhood
what may patients with atopic dermatitis have a history of
other atopic diseases such as asthma or allergic rhinitis
when does atopic dermatitis become chronic
with signs of chronic inflammation (lichenification)
what is lichenification
thick dry leathery skin due to excessive itching or rubbing
aetiology
combination of genetic and environmental factors which lead to abnormal skin barrier function
what epidermal barrier protein is strongly associated with atopic dermatitis
filaggrin
how does a mutation in epidermal barrier protein filaggrin predispose the patient to atopic dermatitis
less effective mechanical barrier against environment
what is the skin in atopic dermatitis deficient in
extra-cellular lipids
what is the hygeine hypothesis
there has been an increase in atopic dermatitis as communities, homes, people become more clean
pathogenesis
impairment of the skins barrier function (via mutations in epidermal barrier protein filaggrin) leads to increased sensitivity of skin to cutaneous antigens
what are risk factors of atopic dermatitis
children
FHx of atopic dermatitis, or PMHx of allergic rhinitis, asthma
history
PMH or FH of atopic dermatitis/asthma/allergic rhinitis
itchy, dry skin
where does atopic dermatitis commonly occur in infants
head (forehead, cheeks, scalp)
