If you believe that you or your child have atopic dermatitis, you should seek the advice of a medical professional before starting any treatment.

Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)

What is atopic dermatitis?  Atopic dermatitis is sometimes referred to as as eczema.  Eczema is a more general term that encompasses inflammatory skin conditions, and atopic dermatitis is a specific condition within this group,   It is characterised by a chronic, red, itchy rash that is distressing for patients and their families.

One objective in treating atopic dermatitis is to try to break the 'itch-scratch cycle'. This is the phenomenon where the skin feels itchy, the patient scratches the skin, and this damages the skin making it feel more itchy.  It is particurly common in children and infants and can result in interrupted sleep and a poor quality of life.

Who gets atopic dermatitis? It is one of the most common skin conditions, particularly in children. The precise cause of atopic dermatitis is still unknown, although it is associated with other conditions such as asthma. Atopic dermatitis often appears for the first time in infancy; about half of all cases are recognised before the age of one.  It may affect between 1-3 in ten of school aged children, and is much less common in adults with less than one in ten adults experiencing atopic dermatitis at any one time. However it is still the eighth most common disease in people under 25.

What causes atopic dermatitis?  No one knows the precise cause, and it is believed that there may be a variety of causes of the condition. These may include genetic or environmental factors, and atopic dermatitis may be made worse by stress, heating or air conditioning, clothing or bedding, and many other factors.

Contact Dermatitis (irritant/allergic dermatitis)

What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by substances outside the body that irritate the skin.  It is characterised by reddening of the skin, which may or may not itch, and is frequently seen on the hands.

What causes contact dermatitis?  Common substances that cause reactions (allergens) may include nickel, sodium lauryl sulphate, poison ivy and a large range of other substances.

Contact dermatitis ranges in severity from the worst reaction (“allergic contact dermatitis”) to mild reactions (“irritant contact dermatitis”). As with eczema, the skin changes in appearance and becomes red or scaly, and the skin may also become very itchy.

Who gets contact dermatitis?  Specific types of employment are more associated with contact dermatitis, as they may come into contact with allergens more frequently.   For example people who need to wash their hands frequently have more exposure to detergents – these may include hairdressers or healthcare professionals.  Also, people working in agriculture or gardens may be exposed to allergens such as poison ivy (most common in the USA).

Patient organisations: for more information

The National Eczema Society