Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)

Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as eczema. It is one of the most common skin conditions, particularly in children. The precise cause of eczema is still unknown, although it is associated with other conditions such as asthma.

Eczema is characterised by itching (pruritus) and red skin (erythema). The itching can cause great distress to patients, in particular when infants or children repeatedly scratch the skin. This may make the skin condition worse and can also cause interrupted sleep. Overall, eczema interferes with patients, parents and carers' quality of life.

Eczema often appears for the first time in infancy with around 50% of cases diagnosed by the age of one. It may affect between 1-3 in ten of school aged children. It is much less common in adults with less than one in ten adults experiencing eczema at any one time. However it is still the eighth most common disease in people under 25.

Atopiclair may be used by patients with eczema, to control the symptoms such as itching, and to improve the appearance of the skin.

Contact Dermatitis (irritant/allergic dermatitis)

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by external stimuli that irritate the skin. Common allergens may include nickel, sodium lauryl sulphate, poison ivy and a large range of other substances.

Contact dermatitis ranges in severity from the worst reaction (“allergic contact dermatitis”) to mild reactions (“irritant contact dermatitis”). As with eczema, the skin changes in appearance and becomes red or scaly, and the skin may also become very itchy.

Contact dermatitis is often considered an industrial disease, as specific working populations are more likely to experience the disease, as they come into contact with the allergens through their work. Examples are groups who wash their hands frequently and therefore have increased exposure to detergents – these may include hairdressers or healthcare professionals.

The first step in treatment and prevention of contact dermatitis is to identify what substance is causing the skin reaction, and either avoid contact with that substance or place a barrier between the skin and that substance. While the skin reaction is present however, Atopiclair may be used to improve the contact dermatitis.

Diaper Dermatitis (nappy rash)

Diaper dermatitis is a specific type of contact dermatitis, also known as primary irritant diaper dermatitis, napkin dermatitis, diaper rash, nappy rash. It occurs within the area covered by an infant's diaper.

Diaper dermatitis is uncomfortable for the infant and may also affect quality of life by interrupting sleep or causing the infant to cry for long periods.

Processes involved in Dermatitis

About Atopiclair

Atopiclair is a new cream that is designed to improve the symptoms and signs of many types of dermatitis. It is steroid-free, working instead by improving the local environment of the affected skin.

Atopiclair may be considered a ‘hydrolipidic wound dressing' in its mode of action. Although it is a cream, it acts like a dressing to improving the environment of the skin and improve the dermatitis. Because of this mode of action, Atopiclair is registered as a Medical Device in the EU and the USA.

Individual key ingredients have been combined with a moisturizing, emollient base that includes both lipid and water soluble moisturizers. These provide a deep and soothing replenishment of essential moisture to the skin for maximum benefit.

Atopiclair has been shown in clinical studies to significantly improve the clinical symptoms (itching) and signs (appearance) of atopic dermatitis, and to improve contact dermatitis. For details of these studies please contact Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.

Summary

Atopiclair offers patients and clinicians an easy, steroid-free option for improving the symptoms and appearance of dermatitis.