What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that is also known by the names eczema, atopy and dermatitis. Many people suffer from this common skill ailment. It is a pruritic (meaning that it causes intense itchiness of the skin), inflammatory skin disease. Many people associate atopic dermatitis with sensitivity of the skin or allergies. There are various causes that could lead people to develop atopic dermatitis.

Heredity

Heredity is believed to be a factor in causing atopic dermatitis. It is known that the inflammation that results from atopic dermatitis comes from an inherited irregularity of the skin. The irregularity is known as the barrier defect of the skin, and results in the skin being more permeable, which then decreases its antimicrobial abilities (such as killing fungi and bacteria).

Immune System

People who suffer from atopic dermatitis often have a type of imbalance of their immune systems. People with atopic dermatitis generally have far more TH-2 cells than they have TH-1 cells. This also reduces the function of the skin's barrier, causing it to lose water, making it easier for both allergens and irritants to get through.

Skin Dryness

Dry skin can help cause atopic dermatitis, and it can also help trigger breakouts. Dry skin is often considered to be a symptom of loss of barrier function. Some factors that often lead to skin dryness are low humidity, winter climates, excessive washing (particularly with hot water), swimming pool chlorine, antiseptics and soaps, and high temperatures.

Irritants

There are many common, everyday things that can exacerbate atopic dermatitis. Some common irritants include dusty atmospheres, makeup, fragrances, strong laundry detergents and wool touching the skin.

Ailments

There are some common illnesses that also cause atopic dermatitis. These include asthma and hay fever. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that involves the airways. Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis, and manifests itself in symptoms that are similar to those of a traditional cold, such as congestion, sneezing, sore throat and pressure on the sinuses. People who have these illnesses are much more likely to get atopic dermatitis, compared to those who do not suffer from them.