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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:41 Causes and risk factors
1:33 Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
2:36 Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis
3:11 treatment for Atopic Dermatitis



• Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that children might have to face at a very early age. 
• Also known as pediatric eczema, the chronic condition appears when a baby’s age is between 3 and 6 months. 
• It causes dry, itchy skin, that can be more bothersome for young kids as their skin is much more sensitive than those of adults. 
• The condition can last for a long time, and it needs to be treated appropriately to not cause long-lasting problems as a kid grows up. 
• Let’s look at atopic dermatitis for kids in detail: 
Causes and Risk Factors
• The exact cause for atopic dermatitis in kids is not known, much like eczema in adults. 
• It is an allergic reaction that is believed to be influenced by:
• An immune system that is not fully developed and cannot provide appropriate protection to the skin. 
• Skin problems such as atopic dermatitis may also be inherited by a child from their parents. 
• External factors such as cold weather, bathing and washing with hot water, using soap that is harsh for a baby’s skin, and other factors can also contribute to pediatric eczema. 
• Along with these possible causes, some risk factors for newborns include: 
• Suffering from allergies. 
• Having a family history of atopic dermatitis. 
Symptoms
• Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in kids come and go, but the gaps between them appearing are long.
• The symptoms can appear anywhere on the body but are most prominent on the face, scalp, neck, knees, and elbows. 
• In children, atopic dermatitis usually affects the back of the knees, the skin on the inside of the elbow, around the mouth, the sides of the neck, along the hands, wrists, and ankles. 
• Symptoms vary, but usually include:
• Severe itching
• Thickened skin 
• Dry, scaly skin
• Redness and swelling
• The skin on the face becoming pale
• Rough bumps around the body
• Small bumps that become crusty and may leak fluid if scratched
• Changes to the skin around the eyes, ears, and mouth
• Skin darkening around the eyes and eyelids
Diagnosis
• Diagnosing atopic dermatitis starts with a medical history and physical examination. 
• A doctor might ask for family history and any allergies.
• The doctor might ask for blood and allergy tests after the physical examination to confirm a diagnosis. 
• The blood tests are conducted to check for Immunoglobin E (IgE) levels. They indicate the activity of the immune system. 
• If high, they indicate atopic dermatitis.
• Allergy skin tests are conducted to rule out allergies being the cause of the symptoms. 
Treatment
• Treatment usually involves giving your kid the right care and keeping their skin healthy and clean. 
• Typical treatment methods include: 
• Keeping the kid away from irritants
• Keeping the child’s fingernails short
• Bathing the kid with a gentle cleanser and avoiding products that could irritate the skin
• Applying moisturizing lotion or creams prescribed by the doctor