Allergies Health Guide

All About Allergy

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an allergic skin disorder that usually appears in babies or very young children, and which may last until the child reaches adolescence. Eczema causes the skin to itch, scale and flake.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Methods of diagnosis include:

family history - children born to a mother who has allergic conditions are more prone to eczema.
personal history of allergy or asthma
blood tests
skin tests

How is eczema treated?

Specific treatment for eczema will be determined by your physician(s) based on:

your overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Common treatments include:

avoiding the food or environmental factors that may be the causes
medications - as prescribed by a physician

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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