Atopic Dermatitis (also known as Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a very common and extremely itchy skin disease that often begins in early childhood, though it can also appear in adulthood. Many people have common misconceptions about eczema, believing it to be an incurable condition or thinking that only a large amount of medication can relieve the itching and pain; these are misunderstandings about the treatment of eczema.
Eczema is one of the chronic skin diseases that affects approximately 200 million people worldwide; its characteristics include itchy, inflamed skin, which usually begins in childhood but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is a type of atopic disease, which also includes asthma and hay fever. It is a chronic condition, meaning it can last for a long time, often lifelong. Patients with atopic dermatitis have sensitive skin that reacts strongly to certain triggers, exacerbating the condition.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary from person to person, but the most common include:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Especially prone to red to brownish-gray patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, eyelids, inside the elbows, and knees
- Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
- Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
- Sensitive, swollen, and sore skin from scratching
Atopic dermatitis can significantly impact a person's quality of life. It may lead to sleep disturbances, self-consciousness about appearance, and complications such as skin infections. Therefore, obtaining a timely and accurate diagnosis and starting treatment is crucial.
If you think you or your child might have atopic dermatitis, it is important to schedule a consultation. Our clinic treats atopic dermatitis, including offering specific narrowband UVB phototherapy (NB-UVB), a treatment option available only in a few clinics in Hong Kong.
