Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a long-term form of inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). It results in itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin. Clear fluid may come out of the affected areas, often thickening over time. Although the condition can occur at any age, it usually begins in childhood and changes in severity over the years. In children less than one year old, much of the body may be affected. As children get older, the areas on the inside of the knees and elbows become most affected. In adults, the hands and feet are affected the most. Scratching the affected areas worsens the symptoms, and those affected have an increased risk of skin infections. Many people with atopic dermatitis develop hay fever or asthma.

The cause is unknown, but is believed to involve genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental exposure and skin permeability problems. If one identical twin is affected, the other has an 85% chance of having the condition. Those who live in cities and dry climates are more likely to be affected. Exposure to certain chemicals or frequent hand washing worsens symptoms. Although emotional stress can worsen symptoms, it is not a cause. The condition is not contagious. A diagnosis is usually based on the signs and symptoms. Other diseases that should be ruled out before a diagnosis is made include contact dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment BeterKlinic

BeterKliniek is the clinic for Integrative Medicine that bridges regular and non-regular medicine.

An van Veen (physician) and Michael van Gils (therapist) look for the cause of a condition or disease. That is where the treatment starts otherwise, as people often say, it is 'carrying water to the sea'. We call this cause medicine. Sometimes it is also desirable to treat the symptoms (at the same time). We call this symptom medicine.

Chronic disorders often have their cause in epi- genetics. You can schedule a free informative telephone consultation (phone number 040-7117337 until 1 p.m.) at BeterKliniek to discuss your symptoms so that we can provide you with further advice.