Disease name: Atopic dermatitis

ICD-10 Disease Code: L20 - Atopic dermatitis

ICD-10 Disease Group: L20 - Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition that typically develops around 5 years of age in children with allergies or a family history of skin disease, but it can present itself as early as the age of 2-6 months old.

Despite the disease being common in people suffering from allergies like asthma or eczema, AD is caused by allergies. The disease develops as a reaction on the skin, and can in some people also result in sensitive skin.

The genetics of AD is poorly understood, but studies seem to indicate that several genes are be associated with the onset of symptoms. One of these genes is CARD11, which is associated with rares inherited cases of AD. CARD11 encodes a protein that is involved in the development and function of lymphocytes. When CARD11 is mutated, the resulting protein product is no longer able to properly interact with interaction partners in its signalling pathway, leading to impaired development and function of T lymphocytes.

In america 1 in 10 people are affected by atopic dermatitis

The disease affects men and women equally.

Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis

The mos prominent symptoms of AD is itchy skin, especially in the creases of elbows and knees, but the itchiness can present itself all over the body. Additional symptoms may develop as a result of excessive scratching of the affected areas. These symptoms include the development of leathery thickened skin as well as the development of rough and scaly patches. Untreated AD can progress to blisters, and skin infections are common in patients, especially those who scratch excessively.

While no cure exists for AD, viable treatments involve the use of steroid creams and lotions to reduce inflammation and the urge to scratch. Additionally, patients who are prone to or unable to stop scratching are recommended to sleep wearing gloves and keep their fingernails short. Antihistamines can also be used to reduce itching.

• https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/
• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/
• https://www.aad.org/
• https://nationaleczema.org/

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Atopic dermatitis