Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Secondary Risks, Diagnosis & Treatment

Each year, millions of children suffer from skin disorders that are chronic in nature. For most children, the complication is associated with atopic dermatitis; a non-contagious skin disorder usually of inherited origin. The frequency with which children suffer from atopic dermatitis is astounding with nearly 20 percent falling victim to the chronic disorder with no hope of resolution even into adulthood.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis will vary from one child to the next. Initially, the most common sign of atopic dermatitis is a dry, red and itchy patch of irregular skin on the elbows, knees, hands and feet. Often, this condition is misdiagnosed as another complication. For example, children who suffer from atopic dermatitis of the feet will commonly be misdiagnosed as having athlete's foot, a fungal infection.

To make matters worse, when a child suffers from atopic dermatitis, the symptoms can be worsened by specific events such as exposure to wool fabrics, exposure to specific body soaps or laundry detergents, environmental exposures and even cigarette smoke.

When a child suffers from atopic dermatitis, the symptoms are quite simple: chronic itchy and inflamed skin. When untreated, atopic dermatitis can lead to life altering and permanent skin damage including skin folds around the eyes, known as atopic pleat, inflammation around the lips, known as cheilitis, bumps on the face, arms and thighs, known as keratosis pilaris, just to name a few.

So, what can you do when you child suffers from atopic dermatitis? As a parent, you will want to first obtain a confirmed diagnosis by a healthcare professional. Once confirmed as atopic dermatitis, the dermatologist will recommend a treatment plan unique to the needs of your child. Most commonly, however, the use of corticosteroids may be necessary along with a strict practice of avoiding specific allergens and a strict practice of skin care. In terms of corticosteroids in children, the physician will most likely use topical cream first and, when not successful at alleviating the atopic dermatitis, change to a systemic corticosteroid.