Atopic Dermatitis or AD is a common and chronic skin condition that is considered a more severe type of eczema—a broader term for skin conditions that cause inflammation and irritation. On average, it affects an estimated 18 million American adults.

As part of the eczema family, it will look and behave like the other forms of eczema, too. However, because it requires specific treatment and managing methods, at MedBox Specialty Pharmacy, we say it is important to understand the differing qualities between the two.

As such, as a specialist pharmacy in Belleville, New Jerse, here are some of the areas where the two differ:

• Severity of Itching

  Itch is the hallmark of eczema, but more so of atopic dermatitis. While most of those who have eczema require an outside stimulus to cause itching, those with AD seem to have been born with sensitivity to itching, which causes them to scratch longer than usual.

  Regardless of what form of eczema you have, a consultant pharmacist in New Jersey can help you find the right anti-itch relief for your condition.

• Predispositions

  Individuals with atopic dermatitis are born with a predisposition for inhalant allergies, such as asthma and hay fever, as well as developing fungal foot diseases and staph infections. These predispositions may make it difficult for them to live normally; for this, patient support combined with the appropriate treatment can help.

• Basis
  Those with atopic dermatitis have a genetic basis for their condition as opposed to some other common types of eczema. Research findings also suggest a mild immune system weakness and a lack of or decreased filaggrin amount in their skin which is important for cutaneous hydration.