Difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema

Odor dermatitis and eczema are both common skin diseases, so it is common for people to confuse these two diseases. Atopic dermatitis is a relatively stubborn skin disease, so the treatment period is longer. Compared with atopic dermatitis, the treatment period of eczema is shorter and the treatment method is relatively simple.

The hot summer weather is quite unbearable for people suffering from eczema and atopic dermatitis. Eczema and atopic dermatitis are stubborn and difficult to treat skin diseases, and the course of the disease often lasts for several years or even decades. Most people confuse the two, but they are actually not the same.

The general public often confuses eczema with atopic dermatitis. The lesions of these two skin diseases look very similar, but there are significant differences in the medical history and clinical diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis is related to genetics, environment, and even stress. Usually, if family members have a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, etc., the patient's chance of developing atopic dermatitis will increase.

The skin lesions of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents are mostly symmetrically distributed in the popliteal fossa, elbows, wrists, ankles, etc. The rashes are mostly papules and lichenification with obvious borders, sometimes with mild pigmentation. In acute attacks, there will be eczematous erythema, accompanied by severe itching that affects sleep. In adults, skin lesions are more common on the face, neck, and upper trunk, but lesions in the popliteal and antecubital fossa still exist.

However, the cause of eczema is more complicated. Xu Shiyuan said that eczema is often caused by the combined action of multiple internal and external factors, triggering a dermatitis accompanied by severe itching. Triggering factors include spicy food, seafood, eggs, milk, inhalation of pollen, dust mites, contact with animal fur, friction of fabrics, and microbial infection. They are often accompanied by internal medicine diseases such as digestion and endocrine. Sometimes emotional anxiety and work pressure can also cause recurrent attacks of eczema.

Not only will the frequency of attacks increase, but the skin will also develop severe rashes, edema, and itching. Therefore, in addition to Western medical treatment, Xu Shiyuan pointed out that from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, eczema and atopic dermatitis are mainly caused by weak spleen and stomach constitution. Therefore, we can focus on internal and external treatment. Internal treatment adjusts the function of the spleen and stomach, and external treatment dredges the meridians, promotes qi circulation, and removes stagnation. Sometimes it is also combined with acupuncture treatment, and selects acupoints that strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, and replenish the earth and nourish the lungs, such as Zhongwan, Feishu, Pishu, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai, Quchi, Fenglong, etc.