Atopic inflammation of the skin

Atopic inflammation of the skin (AIS), also known as prurigo, usually begins in early childhood. In approximately 50% of children, the first symptoms appear between the 3 and 6 month of life, and by the age of 5 in the majority of cases. The prevalence of atopic inflammation of the skin in small children is as high as 20%. The aliment is characterized by eczematous changes of the skin located in characteristic places, accompanied by itching. It has a chronic and reoccurring character. AIS frequently co-exists with other allergic illnesses.

Symptoms

Three phases can be distinguished: infant (until the 12 month of life), child (until the age of 12) as well as juvenile and adult.
In the case of infants, symptoms consist in rashes with a erythematous-exudative character, located primarily on the face, rarely on the chest and extensory areas of the upper and lower extremities. In the child phase, the character of the skin changes varies from those in the case of infants. They are located on the inside of elbows and knees, may be present on wrists and back of the back, have the character of eczmatous papula, cause severe itching and are frequently subject to impetiginization. AIS in the juvenile and adult phase is characterized by a high susceptibility to impetiginization and the spreading of the changes together with severe itching.
The treatment of AIS primarily consists in eliminating the allergens responsible for the occurrence of skin changes through an appropriate diet and providing the children with a hypoallergenic environment. Other than diet, appropriate skincare and the elimination of itching are extremely important.

Can atopic inflammation of the skin be “grown out of”?

Symptoms of AIS disappear in 75% of children during puberty. However, their skin remains dry and extremely sensitive. Inappropriate skincare, daily exposure to irritating and allergenic factors may result, despite remission of the skin changes, in the recurrence of the ailment.