12/12/2006

SIGNS OF POSSIBLE THINGS TO COME

The skin disease known as atopic dermatitis is more likely to occur by age three among babies who develop rashes over their arms and joints earlier in life. This is the finding of Danish researchers who examined infants when they were one month old and every six months thereafter. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with a family history of asthma and allergies. Symptoms include recurrent scaling of the skin, redness, and itchiness. Researchers found specific early signs among the babies who eventually developed atopic dermatitis. These signs include rashes that began on the scalp, forehead, neck, and cheeks that spread to the front of the legs, the backs of the arms, and the rest of the face and torso.

If your infant has recurrent scaling of the skin, redness, and itchiness, it may be due to atopic dermatitis. For an evaluation of your infant’s or child’s skin condition, call ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY at 630-832-2111 to arrange an evaluation from a Board Certified Dermatologist. We offer evaluation and treatment of atopic dermatitis, eczema, rashes, moles, and growths. The practice is located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

P.S. No association has been found between rashes in the diaper area and atopic dermatitis.