Atopic dermatitis in children and adults

Giampiero Girolomoni is a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Verona, Italy. He has decades of experience in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and eczema. 

Professor Girolomoni has helped develop the Vik Atopic Dermatitis application and dispels the myths about this pathology in this article.

Are children with atopic dermatitis more hyperactive?

Atopic dermatitis is associated with a higher prevalence of hyperactivity in children, who often have attention problems and may have difficulties with learning. This problem only affects a small percentage of children with atopic dermatitis, but it is still more common than in children without the disease. It is therefore important to examine this problem carefully and to manage it in collaboration with a neuropsychiatrist.

Are parents with atopic dermatitis more likely to have children with the disease?

There is a greater likelihood of atopic dermatitis in children whose mothers have the disease, but this is not an absolute certainty. However, if both parents have the disease, the probability increases significantly, so much so that preventive measures should be taken during pregnancy or in the first months of the child's life.   

How do you get a child to stop scratching?

Treatment of atopic dermatitis in children is essential. There are specific medicines to reduce the itching and treat the eczema itself. Itching is a very serious symptom that can significantly affect a child's health, sleep, school performance and social interactions. I believe there is a need to treat children with atopic dermatitis appropriately and effectively, rather than superficially and minimally.

Is the incidence of atopic dermatitis in adults increasing?

It is difficult to obtain precise data, but there is a growing awareness of the disease and there appears to be an increase in atopic dermatitis in adults compared to a few decades ago.

Can atopic dermatitis occur in adults who have never had it before?

Yes, it can. It is estimated that about a third or more of affected adults develop atopic dermatitis without ever having had it as a child or teenager. There are also cases where the disease occurs in old age, for example in people over eighty.

Can atopic dermatitis remain silent for years and then suddenly appear?

Atopic dermatitis has a fluctuating course with periods of improvement alternating with periods of worsening. There can also be long periods of remission, sometimes lasting for years. It can appear in children, then heal and reappear in young adults.

If you suffer from atopic dermatitis and it bothers you and interferes with your daily life, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment. There is no need to fear treatment, as it is designed to be effective and safe. Getting help from professionals can help patients suffering from this condition to find the most suitable therapy for them.