Atopic dermatitis
What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is an inaccurate term for atopic eczema. Let's take a layman's review of the basic glossary of terms occurring in association with atopy and dermatitis.
Glossary of terms
Dermatitis is called skin damage. It refers to a range of diseases or damage. From sunburn to various burns, eczema to viral, bacterial inflammation and parasitic skin diseases.
Atopy is the name given to a hereditary tendency to allergies.
Allergy is often confused with hypersensitivity. In allergy, however, the whole body reacts. Antibodies are produced in the blood to even a few molecules of the allergen. Allergic people usually have a problem with one or two allergens, rarely with five or more.
An atopic is a person with a hereditary tendency to allergies. An atopic person may suffer from asthma, food allergies, swelling (after insect bites), hives and also eczema.
Atopic dermatitis refers to several allergic skin manifestations. Most commonly urticaria, angioedema or eczema.
Allergic urticaria is most often the body's reaction to a food. A rash pops up all over the body, merging into red and severely itchy patches.
Allergic angioedema is a severe swelling of the skin most often after an insect bite or after contact with certain plants. The skin is horny, red, may even crack with tension and itches severely.
Atopic eczema is an allergic inflammation of the skin. It has various manifestations, from dry and peeling skin to wetting.
The development of atopy
Atopy occurs in 15-20% of children. Clinically, it manifests itself most often as atopic eczema. It occurs in half of them in the first year of life, and in about 80% by puberty. It does not happen often, but occasionally clinical signs may not appear until adulthood. They may also not manifest at all.
