Overview

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) is a chronic skin condition that is common in infants and children, but can stay with a person throughout their whole life. Eczema causes the skin to become red and irritated, and to lose its oily outside layer. This leads to extreme dryness and itching which can become a cycle that’s hard to break.

An eczema rash on a person’s arm

For the one in five children who get eczema, symptoms will usually appear between 3 to 6 months of age. Fortunately, two thirds of these children will grow out of the condition in their teenage years.

Causes of Eczema

The exact causes of atopic dermatitis are not known.  There is a known connection between asthma, allergies, and eczema, and they can often co-occur.

Some things that are linked to eczema include:

Genetics

Eczema can be passed down from parents to their children. Children are more at risk of having eczema if their family has a history of eczema, or allergies.

There is approximately a 3 in 5 chance of getting eczema if one of your parents has it, but a 4 in 5 chance if both parents have it.

Immune system

The immune system plays a large part in generating the signals that make us feel itchy, typically as a response to allergens touching the skin. An overactive immune system will respond too often, releasing substances that disrupt the skin barrier and increase exposure to more allergens. It can cause a vicious cycle.

External Factors

The list of external triggers for eczema is long, and may include:

• Allergens
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pollen
• Irritants
• Smoke (especially tobacco)
• Strong soaps and detergents
• Perfumes
• Cosmetics/Makeup
• Chemicals
• Fabrics (wool or scratchy materials)
• Environmental Factors
• Cold and dry air
• Heat and sweat
• Long, or hot showers and baths
• Health Related Factors
• Skin infections
• Certain Hormones
• Stress
• Illnesses (like a common cold, or other)
• Food allergies (usually eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, and nuts)

Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can appear and disappear, or occur most or all of the time. Eczema usually affects the face, neck, scalp, elbows, hands, wrists and knees.

Symptoms can vary in severity. Some people may only have mild and annoying  symptoms, while others can have severe reactions that cause extreme levels of discomfort.

Symptoms can occur a little differently in everyone.

• Dry, scaly skin
• Severe itchiness
• Redness, inflammation and swelling
• Thickened skin
• Pale skin on the face
• Small bumps that are raised can become crusty and leak fluid if scratched.
• Darkened skin on eyelids or around the eyes
• Rough bumps on the face, upper arms and thighs
• Skin changes around the mouth, eyes or ears
  Raised, red areas (hives)

Atopic Dermatitis symptoms can look like other health conditions, so make sure that your child sees a skin doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider or dermatologist will ask you about your child’s symptoms and health history. They could also ask you if you or other family members have atopic dermatitis, asthma or other nasal allergies like hay fever or allergic rhinitis. A

A dermatologist will examine you or your child for visual signs of atopic dermatitis. There is no one specific test for eczema, but may include a skin biopsy to examine the rash, or blood tests.

Treatment depends on what symptoms you or your child are experiencing, their age, and how severe their condition is.

Treatment plans focus on preventing flare ups by managing dryness and inflammation of skin, controlling itching, and avoiding infections.

Looking Forward

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis yet, however clinical research has made many strides in recent years. Advancements in precision medicine, data analysis techniques, digital technologies, and even artificial intelligence are changing the way we research and treat many medical conditions.

We at Simcoderm believe there is hope, and that there could be a cure in the future. Currently, we are testing promising immunomodulating drugs that aim to alter the immune system response. There are a few new treatments in phase 2 trials that we are hoping could enter the market.

To view our clinical trial recruitment page click here.

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