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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an itchy inflammation of your skin. It's a long-lasting (chronic) condition that may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Eczema is most often seen in infants and children, but it can continue into adulthood or first appear later in life.
Eczema may affect any area, but it classically appears on your arms and behind the knees. It tends to flare periodically and then subside. The cause of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is unknown, but it may result from a malfunction in the body's immune system.
Self-care measures, such as avoiding soaps or other irritants and applying creams or ointments, can help relieve itching. See your doctor if your symptoms distract you from your daily routines or prevent you from sleeping.
- Weston WL, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Weston WL, et al. Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Bieber T. Mechanisms of disease: Atopic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358:1483.
- Eczema/atopic dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/EczemaAtopicDermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- What is atopic dermatitis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/ffdermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- FDA public health advisory Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/elidel_protopic.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Habif TP. Atopic dermatitis. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138783445-3/843851716/1195/22.html. Accessed May 21, 2009.
- Huang JT, et al. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity. Pediatrics. 2009;123:e808.
- Atopic dermatitis: Possible complications. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/complications.html. Accessed June 3, 2009
- German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Witch hazel. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Borage. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
