What causes it?

Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is much more common in adults than 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. In the elderly, skin poor circulation can often lead to dry skin and dermatitis conditions particularly in the lower legs.

What does it look like?

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.

How can I treat it?

Treatment may be required for many months and possibly years. It nearly always requires:

• Reduction of exposure to trigger factors (where possible)
• Regular use of emollients such as exederm intensive moisture cream
• Intermittent topical steroids such as exederm flare control cream