Did you know that your eczema may actually be classified as atopic dermatitis? It’s the most common type of eczema and it simply means that a) it might be inherited and b) it’s a skin-related disease. It’s something that we see a lot at Charleston Dermatology and we’re here to help soothe both your fears and your skin. Below, a crash course on atopic dermatitis:

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic Dermatitis is a condition that can cause red and itchy dry patches on your skin that can subsequently cause stress or embarrassment. If you have atopic dermatitis, you’re not alone: 10% of the world is affected. Even stars like Tia Mowry, Kerry Washington, Adele, Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt and Kate Middleton have suffered from eczema.

What are the Symptoms?

Dry patches of skin are the hallmark of atopic dermatitis. They can be severely itchy, especially at night, and lead to cracked, sensitive skin. While it’s very commonly found in children, atopic dermatitis can often persist into adulthood in the form of irritating flare-ups. People who have dealt with asthma or hay fever are also more likely to experience atopic dermatitis. It’s also worth noting that while eczema is not contagious, it does run in families: if a parent has atopic dermatitis, there’s a 50% chance that their child will also have it at some point in their life.

Make it Stop!

To help soothe skin, try to avoid triggers, whether they are stress, environment or diet related. Work with Charleston Dermatology to identify these triggers so that you can make a lifelong change to reduce eczema flares.

It’s also helpful to take shorter showers with cooler water and to prioritize moisturization. At Charleston Dermatology, we can help you find the right moisturizers and soaps to help soothe itchy, dry skin. It’s also important to learn the correct method of drying off in order not to further upset the irritated skin and to choose the correct fabrics that won’t irritate your skin. While these changes may sound overwhelming, Charleston Dermatology will help you coast through the process to make getting rid of eczema easy.

In many cases, you may need to explore prescription medication, which we at Charleston Dermatology can absolutely prescribe. We are here to help you feel comfortable in your skin.

Sources include:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/

https://charlestondermatology.com/services/medical/