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Proper Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis May Bring Relief for Children and Parents/Caregivers |
SourceOrtho Dermatological ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsInformation and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
SKILLMAN, N.J., June 21, 1999 -- Atopic dermatitis, one of the
most
common skin disorders of children, is uncomfortable for those who suffer
from
the disease, and can be stressful for their parents/caregivers. But, say
dermatologists, with proper treatment and precautions, this form of
eczema can
be controlled.
The disease, for which there is no known cure, can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults. Approximately 10 percent of infants and 3 percent of the U.S. population overall suffer from atopic dermatitis. "The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown and identifying the factors that cause and exacerbate the disease is different for each person," says Teri Kahn, M.D., Director, Pediatric Dermatology, Departments of Dermatology and Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. "It can be hereditary or simply caused by a variety of every-day conditions." Irritating factors in soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, certain types of clothing, and dyes or perfumes can aggravate the disease. Stress, dry skin, heat and sweating, low humidity, or allergies can also be irritants. Food allergy is proven as a cause in fewer than 10 percent of children. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by a very itchy, burning rash. In infants, spots tend to appear mainly on the face and scalp. In teens and young adults, the rashes typically occur on the elbow bends and backs of the knees, ankles and wrists and on the face, neck and upper chest. Although these are the most common sites, any body area may be affected. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. In attempts to relieve the itchy feeling caused by the rash, individuals with the disease often seek relief by rubbing or scratching the itch. This can exacerbate the condition. "Scratching damages the skin, worsens inflammation, irritates surface nerves, and leads to more intense itching which, in turn, may lead to infection," explains Dr. Kahn. Most cases of atopic dermatitis are too severe for self-care by parents/caregivers. "Proper, early and regular treatment by a dermatologist can bring relief and may reduce the severity and duration of the disease," says Dr. Kahn. In treating pediatric atopic dermatitis patients, Dr. Kahn works with parents/caregivers to identify and remove from the child's environment those irritants that aggravate the rash, and also offers advice on how to manage the disease. To help control the itching and inflammation associated with this condition, she often prescribes a topical steroid such as DERMATOP(R) Emollient Cream (prednicarbate emollient cream) 0.1%. DERMATOP is the only mid-potency topical steroid approved for use in pediatric patients one (1) year of age and older. To help alleviate your child's discomfort, Dr. Kahn offers the following suggestions to parents/caregivers: With time, atopic dermatitis usually improves. For most children, the condition tends to go away by the teenage years, but the dry skin associated with the disease may remain. Occasionally, eczema may flare up in later years during times of stress or exposure to irritants. "Work with your dermatologist to learn about the disease and how it is treated. Be reassured that it can be controlled," says Dr. Kahn. In clinical trials, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of DERMATOP was approximately four percent. Reported reactions include mild signs of skin atrophy in one percent of patients, and urticaria (hives), allergic contact dermatitis, paresthesia (heightened sensitivity), burning, rash, edema, and pruritus (itching) in less than one percent of patients. For further information about DERMATOP(R) Emollient Cream (prednicarbate emollient cream) 0.1%, including full U.S. Prescribing Information, call 800-426-7762 or e-mail your question to odmedinfo@cpcus.jnj.com. For information about AVEENO(R), call 877-298-2525 or e-mail your question to netjcic@cpcus.jnj.com. Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/467347.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 467347 CONTACT: Gary Esterow of Ortho Dermatological, 908-904-3365, or gestero@odius.jnj.com |
