1. Atopic skin diseases
Nuppu Kujala

2. Atopic dermatitis - eczema
Familial and chronic disease
Red and itchy rash
-inner sides of the elbows and knees
-eyelids, neck and the area behind the ears
Skin reacts abnormally to irritants, food and environmental allergens
Related to other atopic diseases, such as hay fever, asthma and conjunctivitis
The real cause is still a mystery

3. How to get the disease? It cannot be passed from one person to another
Environmental factors
Children can get the symptoms at a very early age
The symptoms can also occur on adults

4. How to ease the life with atopic skin?
Don’t scratch
Soft cotton clothing, no wool
Short showers with warm, not hot, water and just a small amount of soap
Avoid sweating if there is no possibility to have a quick shower
Avoid stress

5. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis
Based on appearance of a inflamed and itchy rash
Blood tests: Radioallergosorbent test or Paper radioimmunesorbent test
Questions about family history, dietary habits, lifestyle habits and allergic tendencies
The more symptoms there are, the more certain the diagnosis is

6. Treatment Requires commitment Two focuses of treatment:
-healing the skin
-preventing flares
Medication
-skin creams and ointments
-topical corticosteroids
-antibiotics
-antihistamines

7. Experimental treatments
Evening primrose oil
Chinese herbs
Found to have some benefit
Concern about the safety of suppressing the immune system without appropriate medical supervision