Atopic dermatitis is an pruritic (itchy), chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that usually begins in infancy and affects approximately 15-20% of children. It progresses with acute relapse and remissions. Patients mostly present with itchy skin rashes. In infancy, the cheeks, scalp and extremities' extensor faces are most frequently affected. Chronic lesions in childhood are often seen on the flexor faces of the extremities, the head and around the mouth. In adolescents and adults, the rashes are on the head, neck and extremities’ flexor faces. Atopic dermatitis is diagnosed clinically with history and the presence of lesions with typical morphological distribution. Itching is indispensable finding. In necessary cases, skin biopsy, skin prick test, patch test, serum immunoglobulin E, allergen-specific Ig E may be helpful in diagnosis. Treatment mainly consists of avoidance of triggers, skin care / hydration for lesions, antiseptic measures and medical treatment. The most important step in the treatment is to support the skin with regular and suitable moisturizers, as the primary skin barrier defect and impaired permeability, dry, extremely sensitive skin is the main cause of atopic dermatitis lesions. Topical corticosteroids are the first choice for anti-inflammatory therapy in acute atopic dermatitis and frequently recurrent resistant cases. Oral antihistamines can be used in addition to anti-inflammatory therapy to relieve itching. In conclusion, atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial, chronic inflammatory disease triggered by environmental allergens on a genetic basis. Since it affects the standard of living of the patient and his family significantly, it should be evaluated well and managed well with a successful treatment plan.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Atopic dermatitis, itching, allergy, eczema
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