Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema in Children & Adults

ATOPIC DERMATITIS/ECZEMA IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

We at Advanced Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Care (in our Jupiter and Palm City offices) treat children and adults that present with atopic dermatitis or eczema.

According to Drucker (1), in the U.S. population, 11% of children and 7% of adults have atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin condition that is often associated with other atopic manifestations such as asthma, rhinitis and food allergy. Eczema frequently impacts the quality of life of the individual patient and his or her family. Initially patients are seen in dermatology evaluation and are diagnosed with eczema. A routine skin care regimen with daily emollients and bleach baths and/or corticosteroid creams or Protopic ointment or Elidel cream may be prescribed. Eventually the need for referral to the allergist is imperative as triggers such as airborne allergens and/or food allergens can be identified. Allergy skin testing, patch tests or laboratory immunocap tests are excellent diagnostic tests to identify major causes for flare-ups. With worsening of the eczema, we are now prescribing the new non-steroidal ointment such as Eucrisa that has shown great outcomes. For severe cases of eczema, new biological infusions are now available and will be prescribed if necessary. Medical complications with atopic dermatitis such as skin infections (with staph aureus, methicillin-resistant staph aureus or eczema herpeticum with herpes simplex virus infection) should be prevented with a detailed individualized plan of care.

If you or someone you care about has issues with allergies, asthma, rhinitis or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or other skin rashes, please contact either one of our convenient locations in Jupiter or Palm City. We serve patients in Palm Beach County and Martin County including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Hobe Sound, Stuart, Palm City and Jensen Beach.