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Atopic Dermatitis

Associated Skin Care Specialists

Board-Certified Dermatologists located in Eden Prairie, Fridley, Maple Grove, & Coon Rapids, MN

Atopic dermatitis is the most common kind of eczema, affecting about 30% of Americans. If you’re dealing with the miserable itch-scratch cycle and you’re ready to restore your skin to health, an experienced dermatologist at Associated Skin Care Specialists can help. Book your appointment at one of our convenient locations around the Twin Cities in Fridley, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Minneapolis, or Eden Prairie, Minnesota, online or by phone today.

Atopic Dermatitis Q & A

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is often called eczema because it’s the most common form of that skin condition. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

  • Itchy skin
  • Red skin rash
  • Dry skin
  • Bumpy skin
  • Oozing skin sores
  • Cracked and bleeding skin

In most cases, atopic dermatitis starts in infancy or childhood. Many atopic dermatitis sufferers outgrow atopic dermatitis in adulthood, but around half of all sufferers still have a reduced level of symptoms throughout adulthood.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

The cause of atopic dermatitis isn’t known, but current research suggests that it may be due to many factors. Your genetics, geographical location, and immune system function may all contribute to your atopic dermatitis.

 

Even without knowing the cause of your atopic dermatitis, you might be able to identify the things that make your atopic dermatitis worse so you can avoid them. When you combine this with treatment, you can manage your atopic dermatitis very effectively.

How is atopic dermatitis treated?

 

Atopic dermatitis treatment can alleviate pain, reduce itching, and prevent your skin from getting thicker. Treatment options include topical ointments, oral medications, and narrow-band UVB therapy.

 

Narrow-band UVB therapy, also called phototherapy or light therapy, delivers ultraviolet B (the beneficial component of sunlight) to the parts of your skin affected by atopic dermatitis. It’s effective for around 70% of atopic dermatitis sufferers.

 

Narrow-band UVB alleviates itching, calms inflammation, and helps you fight bacteria while increasing vitamin D levels in your body. Most patients get the best results from a series of treatments. Your dermatologist may recommend thrice-weekly treatments for a couple of months, for example.

 

You’ll also work with your Associated Skin Care Specialists dermatologist to put some lifestyle changes into place. These changes might include limiting time in the bath (or other water), using a thick moisturizer after your baths to seal-in skin moisture, changing to additive-free household products, and minimizing stress.

 

The team of experienced dermatologists at Associated Skin Care Specialists is ready to help you overcome the many irritating issues of atopic dermatitis. Use the online booking tool or call to arrange your appointment today.

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