THE LINK BETWEEN ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND ALLERGIES

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin reaction, and while it’s not an allergy, people with this skin condition frequently have seasonal allergies and asthma and are more sensitive to developing additional allergies. Both conditions are caused by an inflammatory immune response. Allergies often make atopic dermatitis more severe and harder to control. What’s the connection between the two? Genes play a role in both, and children with parents who have asthma or allergies are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. Research shows that some people with atopic dermatitis have a genetic flaw that causes fewer proteins in the skin. These proteins are part of the skin’s protective outer layer that helps keep germs and allergens out of the body.

P.S. Although allergy shots are not used to treat atopic dermatitis, the skin condition is usually best diagnosed and managed by an allergist.

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