Eczema Atopic Dermatitis: The Causes and Treatment

Inflammatory diseases of the skin have become a widespread illness since the turn of the 20th century. The prevalence rate especially among children has increased ever since. Probably, the most common of these skin ailments is eczema atopic dermatitis. Nearly twenty percent of the children's population in industrialized countries is affected with this bothersome disease.

A child suffering from eczema atopic dermatitis is subject to other bacterial skin infections because the surface of the skin is disrupted. Most people know that the skin serves as the first line of defense for many types of illnesses. If it becomes disturbed in any way, chances of acquiring a disease will be much higher.

The Skin's Appearance

The skin of both children and adults affected with eczema atopic dermatitis is red, flaky and dry. Instead of the normal smooth and moisturized skin, the latter appears to be reddened, irritated and itchy. The highly affected parts are the face, and areas with skin creases such as the joints. The ailment can last for years and may result to a permanent damage in the skin.

The Causes of Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

There are a number of factors resulting to eczema atopic dermatitis, and these are: genetic factor, allergens, psychological factor, and climatic factor. Experts say that if both parents have the disease, it is also more likely to occur with their children. There is an eighty percent chance of obtaining this disease through the genes. Allergens such as food and environmental pollens or dust may also be the cause of the incidence of eczema atopic dermatitis. There is a decrease in the threshold for itchiness if anxiety and depression is present among the patients; this makes the patient more susceptible to the disease. A change in weather such as a hot or cool environment may also lead to the development of the skin rash. Eliminating all the probable causes of the disease may help reduce the reoccurrence of the symptoms. Although it is difficult to follow the rule book, it has been proven to be very effective and successful in eradicating the disease.

The Treatment for Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

The cure for this disease is very attainable since it is only a home treatment regimen. Using non-soap skin products and moisturizers help in minimizing the irritation. Applying topical medications such as steroids and immunomodulators are also safe and effective. Oral antihistamines aid you in sleeping and resting since it gets rid of the itchiness. Every person affected with this disease should learn how to follow their treatment regimen in order to fully eradicate the chances of relapse of eczema atopic dermatitis.

The Availability and Possibility of IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

There are several topical therapies and medications for eczema and allergic dermatitis. One of them is the corticosteroids, which are strong drugs that can prevent inflammations. These drugs can be used as an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis that has reached a severe level. Aside from the application of corticosteroid as the main IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, the drug can also be applied intramuscularly.

The corticosteroids are a class of hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. They are involved in several physiologic systems such as: response to stress and immunity, metabolism of the carbohydrates, catabolism of protein, regulation of blood electrolyte levels and behavior. In patients suffering from allergic dermatitis, corticosteroids are used to regulate the inflammation. The most common corticosteroid used as treatment for allergic dermatitis and eczema is the prednisone. This type of drug has some mineralocorticoid action with additional glucocorticoid effect.

The oral administration of corticosteroid is continued after intravenous treatment for maintenance. The side effects of the treatment are usually not common during short-term therapies. However when they occur, they may produce gastrointestinal intolerance, body malaise, increase in appetite, weight gain, changes in the mood, nervousness, increased infections, derailed diabetes and impaired wound healing.

The IV treatment for allergic dermatitis can also refer to the intermittent administration of high doses of intravenous corticosteroid, which is called a pulsed intravenous corticosteroid. The treatment usually uses methylprednisolone at 250-1000 milligrams. However, other IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes an equivalent dose of dexamethasone administered on one to five consecutive days. The use of an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis aims in achieving a more rapid and effective disease control compared to the conventional doses applied orally. Through the application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, there is a reduction in the long-term maintenance of corticosteroid doses and side-effects. The correct application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes a pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone administered at 2150-1000 mg per day for two to five days.

Other Options Aside from IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

Other treatments for allergic dermatitis and eczema include the application of antihistamines, cyclosporine and retinoids. Antihistamines fall into three categories, namely the H1, H2 and H3. The H1 type is used for treating allergic dermatitis. Antihistamines are also helpful in breaking the itch-scratch cycle.

The cyclosporine is known to deal atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema fairly well. However, relapses may occur after therapy cessation. The retinoids are structural and functional analogues of vitamin A bundled with multiple effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, they are only known to be effective with disorders concerning complications of eczema to the eye.