What Is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eczema, intense itching, and impaired skin barrier function. It results from a combination of immune dysregulation and environmental triggers.
It commonly begins during childhood. However, atopic dermatitis can persist into adulthood or develop later in life. The disease follows a relapsing course, with periods of flare-ups.
Persistent itching often leads to scratching, which further damages the skin barrier and promotes continuous inflammation. Early treatment aims to control inflammation, reduce itch, and restore the skin barrier to prevent recurrent flares.
Symptoms
- Persistent itching, often worse at night.
- Dry, rough, and sensitive skin.
- Red, inflamed patches that may ooze during acute flare-ups.
- Thickened skin caused by repeated scratching (lichenification).
Predisposition
- Family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitis.
- Genetic defects affecting the skin barrier, particularly filaggrin deficiency.
- Environmental triggers such as irritants, allergens, sweating, or climate changes.
Treatment with Excimer Light
Targeted 308-nm excimer light helps relieve itching and reduces the inflammatory processes that are responsible for atopic dermatitis flare-ups. By modulating the local immune response, it inhibits the abnormal immune activity.
Treatment also supports the restoration of the skin barrier and enhances the skin's natural antimicrobial defenses. It reduces bacterial colonization that can worsen the disease. This targeted approach enables effective treatment of localized lesions.
Before and After
Photos unretouched. Individual results may vary.
Courtesy of Dr Swapnil SHAH
Courtesy of Dr Yasuyuki SUZUKI
Courtesy of Dr Alina SALMAN
Courtesy of Dr Alina SALMAN
Courtesy of Dr Swapnil SHAH
