TRIGGER TRACKER 101 for Adults

WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS? IS THERE A CURE? Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type There is no cure for of eczema. It often appears as a red, itchy or atopic dermatitis yet, dry, scaly patches on the skin. AD usually begins but there are treatments in infancy or childhood but can develop at any available and more are on the way. point in a person’s lifetime. It commonly shows up on the , inside of the or behind the WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS? , but it can appear anywhere on the body. It is important to have a regular schedule with AD care that includes bathing with a gentle IS IT CONTAGIOUS ? cleanser and moisturizing to lock water into the You can’t catch atopic dermatitis or spread it to skin and repair the skin barrier. Moisturized skin others. helps control flares by combating dryness and keeping out irritants and . WHAT CAUSED IT? Depending on severity of symptoms and age, AD While the exact cause is unknown, researchers do treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the- know that people develop atopic dermatitis counter (OTC) and natural remedies, prescription because of a combination of genes and a trigger. topical medications, which are applied to the People with AD tend to have an over-reactive immune system that when triggered by skin; biologics, given by ; something outside or inside the body, responds immunosuppressants, usually taken by mouth in by producing . It is this inflammation the form of a pill; and phototherapy, a form of that causes red, itchy and painful skin symptoms. light treatment. Research also shows that some people with HOW DO I CONTROL AD FLARES? atopic dermatitis have a mutation in the gene For most types of eczema, managing the responsible for filaggrin. Filaggrin helps our condition comes down to these basics: 1. Know bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier on your triggers; 2. Implement a regular bathing and the very top layer of the skin. Without enough moisturizing routine; 3. Use OTC and/or filaggrin, moisture can escape and , prescription medication consistently and as and more can enter. This is why many prescribed. people with AD have very dry and infection-prone However, some people find that even when they skin. do all the "right" things, their AD still flares. AD IS AD RELATED TO OTHER CONDITIONS? can be an unpredictable disease. Having an Atopic dermatitis is part of a group of allergic eczema flare "out of the blue" is common and can conditions. In fact, "atopic" means . These happen despite your best efforts. include , hay fever and food . People who come from families with a history of ABOUT NEA AD, asthma or hay fever are more likely to National Eczema Association (NEA) is the leading develop AD. advocacy organization serving people with eczema and those who love them. Go to Research also suggests that people with AD have nationaleczema.org to find out more. higher rates of and depression/ anxiety.

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