Atopic dermatitis – atopic eczema

What is it?

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is the most common skin disease in children (10 to 15%).

It manifests as red, symmetrical and dry patches that itch. These lesions may sometimes ooze and become secondarily infected. Their location varies according to the child’s age:

  • In babies: mainly on the cheeks.
  • In older children: arms, legs, wrists, and the folds of the elbows and knees.

This disease can appear very early, from infancy.

Eczema may promote the development of allergies because the damaged skin no longer fulfils its protective “barrier” function. This allows allergenic proteins from the environment (food-related or otherwise) to enter the body.

However, it is important to note that eczema is above all an inflammatory skin disease, which may occur independently of allergies.

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Care management

Management of atopic dermatitis is primarily based on topical care: moisturising creams should be applied once or twice a day to healthy skin, outside inflammatory flare-ups.

During acute flare-ups, a short course of topical anti-inflammatory treatment (based on corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors) is necessary. It is generally applied once a day, preferably in the evening. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to relieve itching.

An allergy assessment is considered only in the presence of associated symptoms (rhinitis, asthma, digestive disorders, disruption of the weight curve) and/or if the eczema does not respond to appropriately administered treatment.

Our experts

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