What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Rhonda,
Real patient. Individual
results may vary.
Atopic Dermatitis—The Most Common Form of Eczema
You or your loved one’s eczema could be atopic dermatitis, and might be uncontrolled despite treatment with topical prescription treatments.
Just the Facts
- You or your loved one’s eczema could be more than a skin condition. It could be atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, and might be uncontrolled despite the use of topical prescription treatments.
- Atopic dermatitis is an immunological disease where the immune system produces more inflammation than normal.
- The overactive immune system under the surface may lead to increased inflammation on the surface and is a contributing factor to the itchy patches on the skin.
- Atopic dermatitis commonly appears on the face, hands, knees, neck, elbows, and ankles.
- Experiencing frequent flare-ups while using topical prescription therapies may mean that moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is not well controlled.
I eventually found out that atopic dermatitis is caused in part by inflammation beneath my skin. It was surprising to learn that the cause was not just on the outside of my skin, that there was a much deeper cause.
- Britton, DUPIXENT MyWay®
Patient Ambassador
Individual results may vary.
Watch Britton's StoryTake This Quiz to Understand Your
Condition
Do you still experience symptoms of constant itching and skin flare-ups while using prescription
topical treatments? Answer a few quick questions to better understand moderate-to-severe eczema
(atopic dermatitis), and use the information to help have a discussion with a doctor.
An Endless Cycle
Does the following cycle sound familiar? In eczema patients, the immune system (coupled with an impaired skin barrier) produces inflammation, contributing to the flare-ups on the surface of the skin.
Itching
Immune cells in the deep layers of the skin send inflammatory signals to the surface. This is what makes you think, "I really need to scratch my skin."
Scratching
When you start scratching, you can further break down the outer layer of skin cells and allow germs, viruses and allergens to penetrate your body.
Inflammatory Signals
The more you scratch, the more your skin breaks down. That brings about more itching. The cycle continues.
Treats Eczema
Use this Healthgrades™ tool to easily find nearby specialists with experience in treating teens and adults with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Your Doctor
Our goal is for you or your loved one to get the most out of your visit to the doctor. Download the appropriate discussion guide for tips on how to have a productive conversation.
Doctor Discussion Guide 234 KB Teen Doctor Discussion Guide 234 KB