Who Is At Risk For Atopic Dermatitis?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Atopic dermatitis can develop at any age, but the risk is greatest for infants and children . It is estimated that of people who eventually develop atopic dermatitis, more than half develop symptoms in the first year of life, and almost all develop symptoms before age 5.

Which age group is most affected by eczema?

Eczema tends to reach a peak of intensity between the ages of 2 and 4 years old . During this time, it most commonly affects the skin inside the elbows and behind the knees.

Who is most affected by atopic dermatitis?

Infants are prone to eczema and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older. Eczema affects males and females equally and is more common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies and/or food allergies.

Is atopic dermatitis more common in males?

Atopic dermatitis is not solely a disease of childhood onset; 1 in 4 adults report adult-onset of initial symptoms. Atopic dermatitis affects a similar number of male and female children, however, studies have shown it is more common in adult females than males .

What race is affected by eczema the most?

Eczema affects people of all races and ethnicities but appears to be more common in African Americans . Redness may be obscured in darker skin types, making areas of eczema look more brown, purple or grey in color.

How long does atopic dermatitis last?

With proper treatment, flare-ups may last one to three weeks , notes Harvard Health Publishing. Chronic eczema such as atopic dermatitis can go into remission with the help of a good preventative treatment plan.

What is the difference between eczema and atopic dermatitis?

Eczema is sometimes called atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form. “Atopic” refers to an allergy. People with eczema often have allergies or asthma along with itchy, red skin. Eczema comes in a few other forms, too.

Who is prone to eczema?

Eczema affects males and females equally and is more common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies and/or food allergies.

Does eczema spread by scratching?

How does eczema spread? Eczema does not spread from person to person. However, it can spread to various parts of the body (for example, the face, cheeks, and chin [of infants] and the neck, wrist, knees, and elbows [of adults]). Scratching the skin can make eczema worse .

What cures eczema fast?

  1. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. ...
  2. Apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area. ...
  3. Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. ...
  4. Don’t scratch. ...
  5. Apply bandages. ...
  6. Take a warm bath. ...
  7. Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes. ...
  8. Use a humidifier.

What’s the best cream for eczema?

  • Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream. ...
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. ...
  • CeraVe Healing Ointment. ...
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment. ...
  • Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm. ...
  • Cetaphil Baby Eczema Soothing Lotion with Colloidal Oatmeal.

Where is eczema most common on the body?

Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands , insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.

What are the long term effects of eczema?

Eczema has been linked to an increased risk of health conditions such as asthma, hay fever, food allergy, obesity and heart disease , Silverberg said.

Why is eczema more common in black people?

Additionally, new research analyzing genetic factors of eczema is finding certain mutations affecting the skin barrier cells and skin immune cells can be passed down through families , and these mutations are more common in some ethnic groups, like people of African descent, compared to others.

Does skin go back to normal after eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, a skin condition that makes you itch and leaves red blotches, usually on your face, arms, and legs. While it happens most often in children, it also affects an estimated 18 million adults. The rashes tend to flare and go away, but then come back again.

Why is my eczema turning black?

Darker patches of skin in eczema (hyper-pigmentation) is caused by inflammation , which stimulates the melanocytes – the skin cells that give skin its colour – to increase melanin synthesis (the process of making skin pigment).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.