Adult Skin
Atopic eczema or dermatitis affects 15-20% of children but only 3% of adults. It is impossible to predict whether it will improve by itself or not in an individual.Atopic dermatitis may appear different in adults. The skin is often more dry and thickened than in children. Commonly adults have persistent localized eczema, possibly confined to the hands, eyelids, joints or all of these areas. Recurrent staphylococcal infections may be a concern.
In the elderly, skin poor circulation can often lead to dry skin and dermatitis conditions particularly in the lower legs.
Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is much more common in adults then children. Certain occupations such as farming, hairdressing, domestic or industrial cleaning may expose the skin to various irritants that can aggravate the skin
This most often affects hands that are frequently exposed to irritants such as detergents or solvents. Hand dermatitis in adult atopics tends to be dry and thickened but may also be blistered.
Treatment
Treatment may be required for many months and possibly years and nearly always requires:
- Reduction of exposure to trigger factors (where possible)
- Emollient creams such as exederm intensive moisture cream
- Topical steroids such as exederm flare control cream
atopic eczema
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contact dermatitis
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sebhorrheic dermatitis
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hand dermatitis
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children's skin
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adult skin
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