Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a specific chronic skin inflammation caused by immunologic disorder. The etiology of atopic dermatitis is still unknown; nevertheless, the disease can be caused by genetic factor and several environmental factors, such as socio-economic status, food allergen, and environmental pollution. Atopic dermatitis is a multi-factorial disease and each individual has a different trigger factor. Atopic dermatitis has various clinical symptoms and courses of disease according to its pathogenesis: skin inflammation, dry skin, erithema, papule, and pruritus. The scratching of severe pruritus may cause the appearance of pigmentation, erosion, and lichenification. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is made by Haniffin-Rajaka criteria, i.e. if three of four major criteria and three of minor criteria are found. The management of atopic dermatitis consists of keeping the skin moisture, treating the skin inflammation, pruritus, secondary infection, and avoiding relapse. The skin which tends to be dry is treated by bathing and using emollient. Anti-inflammation, either steroid or non-steroid is used for treating skin inflammation. Severe pruritus is treated with anti-histamine administration. Skin infection caused by scratching can be overcome by administrating antibiotic and local wound care. For prevention of relapse, the trigger factors must be avoided, including food or inhaled allergen