Atopic dermatitis, sometimes referred to as eczema or atopic eczema, is a skin condition most commonly found in children and is often difficult to treat. It is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction, which is an undesirable reaction produced by the immune system (examples being allergies or autoimmunity). In this case, the hypersensitive reaction causes itching, which then leads to long-term swelling, redness, itchy patches, or red rashes. It will commonly appear as a facial rash or a rash on the back or elbows. This can be very uncomfortable for the person experiencing it, especially since there isn't a cure for atopic dermatitis.

However, establishing a skincare routine can assist in lessening symptoms. This is where Michaderm's products come in to help stop incessant itching, restore the skin barrier, and replenish water to the skin with wholesome eczema creams. 

There is often a family history of allergic conditions, such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema, suggesting a genetic correlation. However, it may occur without a family history and sometimes develops sporadically. Keep on reading to understand how to identify eczema.

The mainstay therapy for atopical dermatitis is comprised of topical corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) and systemic anti-histamines with or without antibiotics. Repeated use of topical corticosteroids leads to excessively sensitive skin for months after the apparent clinical resolution of the lesions which results in a rapid rebound of the lesions with significantly less environmental insult.

The major limiting factor for the topical use of corticosteroids, especially in the young and elderly, is skin atrophy. Skin atrophy is the thinning of the epidermis and changes in the connective tissue of the dermis. Skin tissue becomes wrinkled and shiny. The affected area may show visible telangiectasias,  hypopigmentation, and prominence of underlying veins. Skin atrophy makes skin tissue predisposed to infection and lowers the healing rate.

Eczema flare-ups occur periodically when eczema "triggers" cause an increase in symptoms. There are many triggers that lead to flareups. Discovering your eczema triggers and developing a skincare care routine can help reduce flareup frequency, and avoiding irritants or triggers can reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

Read our articles about common eczema triggers and learn how to manage eczema flareups.

One of the most common symptoms of eczema is an itchy rash. Wherever eczema occurs will remain an itchy area on your skin. On a baby or infant, rashes may occur where the itching begins. These itchy rashes more commonly appear on the face, back of the knees, wrists, or hands. However, in some cases, the rashes continue to spread throughout the body.  

Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, sandy, or scaly. With time, the itchy rashes may change from red to lighter or darker coloration. These dry skin patches are highly uncomfortable for the affected person, and soothing symptoms takes time, patience, and research.

There are several types of eczema. Here, we will talk about the most common forms. To learn more about all types of eczema, please visit the American Association of Dermatology.

Atopic Dermatitis - Atopic dermatitis is considered a more severe form of eczema, and it is very common. It is associated with elevated total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum, which means there are one or more triggers or allergens in presence. Atopic dermatitis starts in early childhood and is a chronic skin condition. Some grow out of it with time, while others carry it to adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is very itchy and appears commonly on the face, neck, arms, and legs. There is a hereditary factor, which means kids with parents who have atopic dermatitis have higher chances of getting atopic eczema themselves.

Contact Dermatitis - Contact dermatitis can be irritant-related or allergen-related.  An irritant is something that irritates or burns skin, such as certain chemicals, like strong bases or acids, sodium lauryl sulfate, or ingredients in poor quality skincare products, makeups, and soaps. Poison ivy or other poisonous plants may lead to severe reactions and itchy and painful blisters or rashes. Exposure to irritants will cause redness or itching, and prolonged exposure will lead to contact dermatitis. Nickel is not an irritant; however, it can also lead to an allergic skin reaction, so in this case, nickel is an allergen. Latex could also trigger an allergic reaction.

Seborrheic Dermatitis - Seborrheic eczema is a common skin condition that causes redness, scaly patches, and in some cases, dandruff. It mostly affects the scalp, but it can also develop in oily areas, such as the face, upper chest, and back. When infants develop this condition, it is known as cradle cap. It typically develops within the first few weeks of life and gradually disappears over time. It may also occur in

Although eczema is most common in infants and babies (about 70% of eczema sufferers are five years and younger), it can affect any age. Eczema may appear as early as age 2 to 6 months, and over 50% of people outgrow it by early adulthood. It is currently estimated that there are over 15% of children in the US who suffer from eczema, and about 3% of adults affected by this persistent skin condition. There are hereditary factors, which means if one or both parents have eczema, the chance that their kids may suffer from eczema is higher.

In many patients, there are eczema triggers (fragrances, foods, dyes, allergies, etc) that may cause an outbreak of worse rashes and dry skin patches. When these triggers affect someone with eczema, they are referred to as flare-ups. Oftentimes, one’s eczema triggers are identifiable, and knowing them can help decrease the number of flare-ups that occur. Here are some tips and suggestions pertaining to reducing eczema flare-ups and possible eczema triggers.

Hand eczema is also called hand dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema. There are two types of hand eczema: a dry and a wet form. Dry dyshidrotic eczema leads to dry skin, particularly on the fingertips, and in some cases, form small cracks that can be painful. The best way to manage this type of skin condition is to use a very strong moisturizer and apply it to all fingertips frequently. The wet form can be quite severe and may lead to blisters. In both cases, hands are exposed to chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction (hand allergy). Hand eczema affects many nurses, physicians, hairdressers, and chefs who need to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. Minimizing the exposure to harsh chemicals and potential allergens is the key to improving symptoms.