Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, presents with very dry, red, scaly sensitive skin. It is one of the most common skin diseases and although it tends to run in families, it is not contagious.

Many babies will develop eczema on their cheeks and bodies but most will outgrow it. 90% of patients with eczema show symptoms before the age of 5. Children who have a family history of asthma or hay fever, have a higher risk of developing eczema.

The most common complaint of patients with eczema is ITCHING. Many patients will have a hard time sleeping at night or focusing at work/school because of their itchy skin. Patients with eczema also have a compromised skin barrier, leaving their skin more susceptible to infection.

Eczema may develop in response to a food or environmental allergy but this is seen most commonly in younger children. The most commonly associated allergens are milk, eggs, soy, pet dander, and dust mites. Your allergist can test you to see if you have any allergies contributing to your eczema.

How is eczema treated?

MOISTURIZE! The most important step in both treating and preventing eczema is to moisturize your skin. Greasy ointments, such as Vaseline and Aquaphor, are better at hydrating the skin than lotions. Any product that touches the skin of a patient with eczema should be scent-free and color-free.

If the eczema is moderate to severe, topical steroids will often be used to treat the affected areas. In 2016, a new cream to treat eczema, named Eucrisa, was FDA approved for patients ages 2 and up. This medication is steroid-free! Also in 2017, the FDA approved the first targeted “biologic” treatment for eczema, Dupixent. This is currently approved for patients aged 6+. Dupixent is also steroid free and is given as an injection under the skin every other week. Most patients can be trained to administer this treatment to themselves at home.