What is the incidence of atopic dermatitis in children?

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases of childhood. The disease starts within the first 6 months in 45% of affected individuals and within the first year in 60% of them.

Why is atopic dermatitis important?

Atopic dermatitis may be the first sign of other allergic diseases that will develop later in life. In 50% of patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma develops, and in 75%, allergic rhinitis develops. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms is very important in the follow-up of the patient with atopic dermatitis.

Does food allergy play a role in the onset of atopic dermatitis?

Food allergies play an important role, especially in childhood. Detection of the allergen by skin test and/or blood tests is not sufficient to diagnose food allergy. In some special cases, the patient may have a food allergy even though the skin and blood tests are negative. In these cases, a definitive diagnosis of food allergy requires food elimination followed by food challenge tests.

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

Itching: It is the most important finding of atopic dermatitis. Severe itching causes the appearance of skin sores typical of atopic dermatitis. The resulting wounds cause more itching. Thus, a vicious circle emerges in the form of itching-scarring-itching.

Dryness of the skin: It is present in almost all patients. The first goal of treatment is to remove this dryness of the skin.

Cracks and crevices behind the ear

Apart from these, an increased tendency to skin infections can be counted among the findings of atopic dermatitis.

When should parents panic and take their kids to the doctor?

At the first signs of the disease should go to the doctor. Because the diagnosis of allergy, especially possible food allergy, which can be diagnosed at an early stage, is of great importance in terms of early treatment.

Is atopic dermatitis an allergy?

More than 40% of children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have an allergy. Children with atopic dermatitis must be evaluated for allergies. The most common allergy is food allergy. Milk, egg, wheat, hazelnut and less frequently soy, fish and shellfish and peanut are responsible for 85% of childhood food allergies in our country. In addition to food, allergies to house dust mites, animal dander and pollen also may play a role in atopic dermatitis.