Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing and remitting skin condition with a strong
genetic component. It is associated with a family history of atopy, which includes
asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. It most commonly presents under the age of
five. In American children the prevalence is over 10%, and this number is growing.

 

DIAGNOSIS

  • Most common symptom is pruritic skin, plus three of the following:
  • Dry skin
  • Involvement of skin creases, including areas of the ankles, neck, antecubital
    and popliteal fossae, and periorbital skin
  • Dermatitis visible on flexor surfaces
  • Symptoms prior to age two

 

CLINICAL FEATURES

  • Infantile Stage: pruritic, scaly, erythematous plaques and crusty lesions on
    extensor surfaces, cheeks, and scalp; acute lesions may be vesicular and weep
    exudate

 

  • Child Stage: lichenified plaques with less exudation on flexor surfaces,
    especially on the ankles, wrist, neck, and antecubital and popliteal fossae

 

  • Adult Stage: thickened, lichenified skin with excoriated and fibrotic papules;
    common sites include the antecubital and popliteal fossae, neck, wrists, and
    forearms.

 

  •  Due to abnormal skin barrier function and immune dysregulation,
    Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus are common infections in
    these patients

 

TREATMENT

  • Avoidance of exacerbating factors:
  • Preventing dry skin with emollients and moisturizers
  • Allergy testing and immunotherapy to combat irritating allergens
  • Topical corticosteroids: triamcinolone, betamethasone, fluocinolone, topical
    immunomodulators (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus)
  • Severe cases may require methotrexate

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have a patient in need of specialized evaluation or treatment for a suspicious skin lesion, call Sunflower Dermatology & Medical Day Spa

SCHEDULE YOUR EVALUATION OR TREATMENTS

AT SUNFLOWER DERMATOLOGY – KANSAS CITY

Treatments are performed by Licensed Aestheticians overseen by Board-Certified Dermatologists at both our Riverside and St. Joseph, MO Locations.

Our Riverside Location:
805 NW Platte Rd., Suite 120
Riverside, MO 64150  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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Our St. Joseph Location:
805 N 36th St., Suite D
St. Joseph, MO 64506  |  CLICK HERE for Directions
Phone: (816) 205-8120
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