Atopic dermatitis and eczema

Question 1

What is atopic dermatitis

Answer 1

inflammatory skin conditions characterised by dry pruritic skin with a chronic relapsing course

Question 2

What is epidemiology of atopic dermatitis and eczema

Answer 2

most commonly diagnosed before 5 years of age
affects 10-20% of children

often have asthma/allergic rhinitis alongside it

Question 3

What are key diagnostic factors

Answer 3

pruritus
xerosis - dry skin
poorly demarcated papulovesicular rash

Question 4

What are other diagnostic factors

Answer 4

erythema- ( redness of skin )
scaling
vesicles and papules
keratosis pilaris ( small bumps 0
Excoriations- picking of the skin
Lichenification
hypopigmentation

Question 5

What are risk factors for atopic dermatitis and eczema

Answer 5

Filaggrin gene loss of function mutation

AGE<5

Family history

allergic rhinitis

asthma

Question 6

What investigations are required

Answer 6

clinical diagnosis

patch testing if dermatitis is difficult to control or external trigger suggested

Question 7

What is management

Answer 7

emollients

consider topical corticosteroids and antibiotics