Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching and inflammation of the skin. It often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Management includes moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and other medications to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for atopic dermatitis is based on examining 23 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for atopic dermatitis is included along with 12 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Immune Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Sensory Organs and Skin Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 12 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Atopic dermatitis occurs in people whose skin cannot adequately protect against external agents, usually due to genetic causes. The skin is affected by various environmental factors, irritants, and allergens in these people.
The main risk factor associated with atopic dermatitis is a family or personal history of eczema, allergy, allergic rhinitis, or asthma. In genetically predisposed individuals, there are several triggers for dermatitis:
- Stress can cause an altered immune response
- Allergens, both food and airborne allergens
- Skin irritants include clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers, hot water, and certain soaps and detergents
- Some microorganisms, especially Staphylococcus aureus, are a common colonizer of the skin of people with atopic dermatitis
Symptoms
Atopic dermatitis usually begins in childhood and may continue into adolescence and adulthood. Signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary from person to person and include the following:
- Dry skin
- Itching, which can be very intense
- Reddish to grayish-brown spots that appear mainly on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, inner elbows, or face
- Thickened, cracked, and scaly skin
- Sensitive and inflamed skin from scratching
Prevention
The following suggestions may prevent episodes of dermatitis and minimize symptoms should they occur:
- Use of skin moisturizers at least twice a day
- Avoid triggers that worsen the condition, such as foods, sweat, stress, soaps, detergents, etc
- Shorter baths or showers, avoiding very hot water
- Use of mild soaps
- Drying with care, avoiding strong friction
