Atopic dermatitis (AD) also known as atopic eczema or atopic skin is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease, characterized by eczema flare-ups and severe skin dryness causing itching. The dryness observed in cases of AD is the result of disruption in the skin barrier due to a deficit of cement lipids, such as ceramides and some key structural proteins like filaggrin. This leads to a vicious circle, facilitating allergen penetration through the skin and potential colonization of pathogenic flora such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which exacerbates the disease.

AD has genetic cause factors which determines deficient elements of the epidermal skin barrier (i.e. filaggrin & ceramides) which is further aggravated by environmental factors such as cold, heat, pollen, dust, aggressive cleansers that might further disrupt the skin protective barrier and facilitate the allergen penetration and pathogenic bacteria colonization, causing the inflammation and water loss.

Extremely dry, scaly skin skin flushing itching open, crusted, or weeping sores

Allergy and eczema are two distinct medical conditions that can often be confused with each other due to their similar symptoms. However, they have different causes, triggers, and treatments. Allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. These substances are known as allergens. When an allergen comes into contact with the body, it triggers an immune response that releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. This can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, or anaphylaxis in severe cases. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and itchiness. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the skin barrier function and cause an overactive immune response. Eczema typically appears as red, dry, scaly patches on the skin that may ooze or crust over time. The main difference between allergy and eczema is that allergy is a systemic immune response to an external trigger while eczema is a localized skin reaction to internal or external factors. Allergy symptoms tend to be more acute and can affect multiple organs or systems in the body. Eczema symptoms are usually confined to the skin but can still cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life.