Continuing Education Activity

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition that can lead to recurrent infections and poor quality of life if left untreated. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of eczema and highlights the role of interprofessional teams in improving outcomes for patients with this condition.

Objectives:

• Review the pathophysiology of eczema.

• Outline the adverse effects of poorly controlled eczema.

• Summarize the treatment options for eczema.

• Describe the importance of improving care coordination amongst the interprofessional team to improve outcomes for patients with eczema.

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Introduction

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of dermatitis. Genetic as well as environmental factors are thought to play a part in the pathogenesis. Eczema is most commonly seen in children but can be seen in adults. People with the disease tend to have dry, itchy skin that is prone to infection. Eczema is commonly known as the “itch that rashes” due to dry skin that leads to a rash as a result of scratching or rubbing. The most important treatment of eczema is skin hydration followed by topical steroids for flare-ups. 

Etiology

People with eczema have a dysfunctional barrier which causes various problems. The cells that make up our skin are essential for optimal skin hydration. People with eczema tend to have dry skin due to the dysfunction in the skin barrier. Water can more easily escape from the skin leading to dehydrated skin. People with eczema are also more susceptible to infection. Harmful substances can more readily penetrate the skin due to the dysfunction. People with atopic dermatitis tend to have a skewed inflammatory immune response, and their skin is easily irritated by fragrances and allergens. 

Epidemiology

The lifetime prevalence of atopic dermatitis is about 15-30% in children and 2-10% in adults. About 60% of cases will develop within the first year of life. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is more common in rural rather than urban areas. This incidence which emphasizes the link to lifestyle and environment factors in the mechanisms of AD. Atopic dermatitis is apart of the triad known as the ‘Atopic march.’ This relates to the association between patients with atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. About 50% of patients with severe atopic dermatitis will develop asthma, and 75% will develop allergic rhinitis.[1]

Pathophysiology

Research shows there is a genetic component to atopic dermatitis. One common mutation has been observed in the gene Filaggrin, a vital gene for skin cell maturity. This gene is responsible for creating the tough, flat corneocytes that form the outermost protective layer of skin. In a patient with normal skin cells, the corneocytes are tightly packed in an organized manner. A patient with a filaggrin mutation will have a dysfunctional skin barrier due to the haphazard organization of the skin cells.[2] This dysfunction causes a ‘leaky’ skin barrier allowing water loss and decreased protection from harmful substances. People with eczema also have reduced numbers of beta-defensins in the skin. Beta-defensins are host defense peptides that are vital for fighting off certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A decrease in these peptides leads to increased colonization and infection, especially with staph aureus.[3]

Histopathology

The histopathology seen in atopic dermatitis is non-specific. In the acute phase lesions, characterized by intensely pruritic, erythematous papules, histopathology reveals mild epidermal hyperplasia, infiltrations of lymphocytes and macrophages along the venous plexus in the dermis and intercellular edema of the epidermis (spongiosis). Lesions biopsied in chronic atopic dermatitis, which are characterized by lichenification and fibrotic papules, may reveal increased hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the skin. There is also persistent dermal inflammatory cell infiltrate with lymphocytes and macrophages. The chronic phase lacks the edema or spongiosis that is present in acute phase lesions.

History and Physical

Acutely the rash will be intensely pruritic with erythematous papules and excoriations. As the person continues to itch and rub the skin, the skin starts to thicken and on physical exam, there may be lichenification (thickening of the skin with exaggeration of the typical skin markings due to scratching or rubbing).

The distribution of the rash seen in atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the age of the person. Infants tend to have widely distributed, dry, scaly and erythematous patches with small excoriations. They also tend to have involvement of their face, especially the cheeks. As the child ages, the rash becomes more localized. Areas affected will include the extensors surfaces such as the wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees. School-aged children tend to follow the pattern that is seen in adults. This pattern includes the involvement of the flexural surfaces usually affecting the anti-cubital and popliteal fosse. 

Other physical exam findings besides the appearance of a rash may indicate a person has eczema. Examination of the face may reveal Dennie-Morgan lines. These are crease-like wrinkles just below the lower eyelid. This exam finding can be seen in up to 25% of patients with eczema. People with eczema may have co-existing pityriasis alba and have hypopigmented patches or fine scaling plaques more commonly seen on the face. On examination of the hands, there may be an increased number and depth of skin lines known as hyperlinear palms. People that have eczema and allergic rhinitis may have a transverse crease formed across their nose. This line is referred to as the “allergic salute” and is caused by habitually rubbing the nose in an upward manner.[4]

Evaluation

Diagnosis is typically clinical based on the appearance of the rash and history. Routine labwork is not usually indicated. If unsure of the diagnosis, allergy testing and patch testing may be performed. 

Treatment / Management

The main management and treatment of atopic dermatitis include hydration and topical anti-inflammatory medications for flare-ups. The priority in treatment is focusing on a daily skin moisturizing regimen with a fragrance-free ointment that has limited preservatives.[5] An ointment is preferred over a cream due to the high proportion of oil to water in lotions. Patients/parents should also identify and address any triggers. They should be instructed to avoid any environmental allergens, harsh soaps, and detergents, fragrances as well as rough…

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