Are You Comfortable in Your Own Skin?

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Can you imagine not feeling comfortable in your own skin? For most, it may refer to their sense of self, but for nearly 230 million people worldwide living with Atopic Dermatitis (AD), that is the reality.

What is Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema?

Atopic Dermatitis, is the most common type of eczema known today. The word "Atopic" refers to the predisposition to respond to immunologically diverse allergens and the word "Dermatitis" refers to inflamed skin. Therefore, eczema is an allergen induced, itchy, inflamed skin condition.

How common is Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition, as you may have heard about it from someone in your life. Globally, approximately 10%-20% of children and nearly 2%-10% of adults are affected by this painful chronic condition. In the U.S., roughly 10% of the population have some form of eczema.

Who is at risk?

Race and ethnicity, age, genetics, and exposure to environmental toxins are some of the risk factors predisposing an individual to eczema. Although, eczema is found across all racial and ethnic groups, its incidence and severity is more among African Americans. With respect to age, 80% of disease onset occurs prior to age 6. However, it is not just the disease of childhood onset. It does affect adults, with incidence of 1 in 4 adults and nearly 40% reporting moderate to severe disease. Moreover, incidence is higher among those living in urban areas due to exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is itching followed by redness of the skin. Adults with moderate to severe AD, report unbearable itching that has been going on for at least two weeks. As a result, patients experience a host of related health conditions. Sleep disturbance is the most common burdensome symptom of AD. Patients also report negative impact on their mental health and children with AD are more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral disorders.

What are the available treatment options?

Based on the severity of the condition, there are different treatment options available. The most common treatment is the use of topical steroids. Additionally, patients also tend to manage their symptoms by changing their diet and choosing clothing carefully. Over the counter mild topical steroid creams are available for symptom relief. However, a dermatologist must prescribe a stronger concentration. The use of stronger topical steroid creams increases the risk of painful side effects hence there is a greater need to find non steroidal treatment options. While for some topical treatment may reduce skin inflammation, it is believed that the itching of the skin is a deeper problem likely due to immune dysregulation. For those with moderate to severe AD, other treatments such as the use of biologics may be more appropriate.

Conclusion

Recognizing the full spectrum of AD symptoms and personalizing treatment can help healthcare providers achieve better patient outcomes. Consequently, patients can feel comfortable in their own skin and reclaim their confidence and comfort.

References:

1. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/the-origin-of-eczema-and-the-centuries-old-history-behind-it/

2. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-facts/

3. https://www.galderma.com/news/more-skin-deep-daily-reality-atopic-dermatitis

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board