Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an inflammatory skin disorder known for making the skin red and itchy. Around 16.5 million adults in the United States suffer from this skin disease. Atopic Dermatitis is a long-lasting and chronic disease that tends to flare up periodically and is sometimes accompanied by asthma or hey fever. The exact causes of Atopic Dermatitis are not known, it is however believed that genes and environmental factors play a role in triggering the disorder.
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
People of all ages can get symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis, even though the disorder can be developed as early as one's childhood and can appear in combination with asthma or hey fever. AD can be experienced differently and varies from mild to severe symptoms, such as dry skin, itchiness, red to brownish wounds, for example on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, eyelids, elbows, and upper chest, thickened, cracked, or scaly skin and small bumps that can leak fluid.
Current treatments for Atopic Dermatitis
Even though there is currently no cure for Atopic Dermatitis, there are multiple different systemic and topical treatments that can help reduce symptoms, especially itchiness. Flare-ups can be treated with topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), and phototherapy, which is also known as light therapy that uses ultraviolet light to ease severe eczema symptoms. Systemic drugs include methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenoltate mofetil to control flares.
There are currently around 140 active or recruiting studies in the United States to find further treatments and solutions in order to improve the quality of life for patients living with this condition.
Be part of medical history!
Looking at recent developments and breakthroughs in medical research for Atopic Dermatitis shows how essential clinical trials are to drive innovation in medicine. The developments of new treatments and drugs are only possible through thousands of volunteers that want to make a difference for their health community. This is why medical research needs volunteers like you. Do you want to be part of medical history? Sign up here.
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