Definition

Noun: A chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by intense itching, redness, dryness, and scaling. It is a severe form of dermatitis and is considered part of the "atopic triad," which often includes asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). The condition is linked to a genetic predisposition for hypersensitivity to common allergens.

Usage

"Atopic dermatitis" is a medical term used to describe a specific, long-term skin disease. It is most common in children but can persist into or begin in adulthood. The term is used in both clinical/medical contexts and in general discussions about health and skin conditions.

Examples

• The pediatrician diagnosed the infant's persistent rash as atopic dermatitis.
• Managing atopic dermatitis often requires a consistent skincare routine and avoiding known triggers.
• Research into new treatments for severe atopic dermatitis is ongoing.

Advanced Usage

• The condition is often abbreviated in medical notes as AD.
• It is frequently discussed in relation to the atopic march, a concept describing the progression from atopic dermatitis in infancy to other allergic conditions like food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis later in childhood.

Variants and Related Words

• Atopic eczema: This is a direct synonym and is commonly used interchangeably with "atopic dermatitis," especially in British English.
• Eczema: A broader term for a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation and irritation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
• Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a specific, severe subtype.

Synonyms

• Atopic eczema
• Eczema (in common, non-medical parlance, though this is a broader term)

Related Phrases

• Flare-up: A period when the symptoms of atopic dermatitis worsen significantly.
  • Stress can cause a severe flare-up of her atopic dermatitis.
• Trigger: A substance or factor that causes a flare-up of symptoms.
  • Dust mites are a common trigger for his atopic dermatitis.

Noun

1. a severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy