Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition found both in children and in adults. Statistics show that atopic dermatitis affects almost 10 to 20% of North Americans at some point in time. Quite often the term atopic dermatitis is used interchangeably with eczema. However eczema is really just a generalized term that describes a category of skin issues, and atopic dermatitis is one of those skin conditions.
In general, both eczema and atopic dermatitis present symptoms such as red, dry, rough, scaly patches of inflamed and itchy skin. Neither atopic dermatitis or eczema are contagious in nature, and both may result from a variety of factors, ranging from allergies to genetics. Here are the main differences:
- Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis occurs quite frequently and is considered chronic in nature, which means its marked by recurring flare-ups of itchy, red, inflamed skin, which may be triggered by asthma or hay fever. Common treatments and tips to manage unpredictable atopic dermatitis flare ups include:
Topical creams: Doctors may prescribe the use of creams that can control itching and help with skin repair.
Antibiotics: These antibiotic creams and drugs work to fight infection while oral drugs may aid with inflammation control.
Injectables: The FDA has approved an injectable biologic, known as dupilumab or dupixent, which is effective for dermatitis symptoms that don’t respond to conventional treatment.
- Eczema
Usually, eczema is treated with topical medication for the skin, and it is possible that the symptoms may wear off once the patient reaches a certain age. The main way to keep your eczema symptoms under check and ensure that you don’t develop a skin infection, include:
- Identify eczema triggers: You need to know what triggers your eczema (i.e., pollen, pet dander, etc.) and steer clear as much as possible.
- Remoisturize: Skin moisture can be restored with regular bathing and moisturizing using products for sensitive skin.
- Medications: Take counter drugs or prescription medication as needed and in a consistent basis. For instance you doctor may prescribe topical medications such as corticosteroids (steroids), PDE4 inhibitors, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and skin barrier creams, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologics.
- Look for infection: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as red painful pus-filled bumps that will need immediate treatment.
