Final answer:
Atopic dermatitis is another term for eczema, a common skin condition characterized by itchy and flaky skin patches. Although it is often associated with allergies, including a possible link to dust mites, the specific cause of eczema can vary. Treatment usually involves moisturizers and corticosteroid creams to manage symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The other name for atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is also a well-known skin condition marked by dry, itchy skin that can become red and flaky. Eczema is not only a discomforting ailment but also indicates a hypersensitive reaction possibly linked to an allergic response. While research has found that individuals with eczema often have antibodies against dust mites, a definitive causative link to dust mite allergy remains unproven. Eczema can manifest in various forms, with contact dermatitis and tuberculin reactions being common, alongside associations with autoimmune diseases like diabetes mellitus type I, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In managing the symptoms of eczema, products such as moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and immunosuppressants are typically employed. These treatments aim to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and manage the skin's overactive immune response. An exemplary case, like that of 16-year-old Penny's allergic eczema triggered by sunscreen, illustrates a mild presentation of the condition that can be effectively addressed by avoiding the irritant and using moisturizing creams to alleviate discomfort.