How I Knew My Dry Skin Was Atopic Dermatitis

During this cycle, patients often experience cycles of intense itching, redness, and skin irritation which then leads to dry, damaged skin. 

Also, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis are more than what’s seen on the skin. It has a huge impact on quality of life, often causing issues with sleep, stress, and other challenges that go beyond skin dryness.  

“Atopic dermatitis is common so it is often first treated without professional help,” says Lio. “Many people have a sense that when the skin is dry, red, cracked, open/oozing, and angry, it's trying to tell them something!”

When gentle skin care is not enough, something else may be going on like an allergy, infection, or another condition. If your skin is not responding to home treatments, it may be time to see a doctor and get a diagnosis and a new treatment plan.   

Dry skin can also come and go. Atopic dermatitis is known as a chronic condition. This means it may be better or worse at times, but you have it for your lifetime.  

Getting the Right Diagnosis

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can mimic other conditions from poison ivy and psoriasis to an allergy or skin infection. 

It is important to see a dermatologist to confirm your diagnosis. Still, some patients and families often encounter challenges when seeking a diagnosis. “Many patients normalize their symptoms, believing persistent skin issues are just part of who they are – they get used to having angry, itchy, inflamed skin,” says Lio. 

Financial burdens might delay diagnosis for some. Coping with no or limited health insurance or having difficulty seeing a specialist may be a factor, too. Or some patients live in areas without a dermatologist nearby. Check out organizations like the National Eczema Association for a list of dermatologists in your area. 

Psychological barriers also play a crucial role, with patients feeling embarrassed about their skin's appearance or believing skin conditions are merely cosmetic.

“When COVID hit, I was grateful to wear the mask. I was able to cover my face and my eczema,” Cramond says. “These days, I’m the opposite. I’m confident now in my skin. My skin may change, but my confidence is here to stay!”

Treating Atopic Dermatitis 

Experts are still learning about atopic dermatitis, and that goes for the treatments as well. But, this doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Until recently, doctors relied on over-the-counter medications and creams. Now, there are FDA-approved medications. 

• Light therapy. Special lightbulbs or a laser can treat all ages of people with atopic dermatitis; you can receive treatment in a doctor’s office or do them yourself at home. You may need two to three treatments per week for it to work. How does it work? An appropriate amount of UV rays from natural sunlight or phototherapy has been shown to decrease inflammation. But too much of a good thing can be harmful.  Be careful if you spend too much time in the sun or use tanning beds while getting light therapy as it can cause a flare. 
• Oral medications. Doctors don’t know everything about atopic dermatitis, but they do know it involves your immune system. For AD and other conditions like it, your immune system is overactive and attacks healthy tissues. Your dermatologist might prescribe an immunosuppressant medication to calm your immune system. Or they may prescribe something called a JAK inhibitor. These medications work by blocking signals in your body that cause inflammation — both a cause and symptom of AD.
• Topicals. Medications applied to your skin are called “topicals.” There are different types of topicals, but the most common are corticosteroids or steroids. These medications reduce inflammation or itching and may be prescribed with other medications. 
• Biologics. The newest type of medication for AD is called a biologic. It works throughout the body to treat the symptoms. It is given by injection under the skin. Your doctor will show you how to use these at home. 

Cramond says her eczema is well managed on her biological medication. But she says her healing has also been through community. “Find a space where others have been through similar experiences with eczema like the National Eczema Association. I’ve found some lifelong friends through the community.” 

Hope on the Horizon for Atopic Dermatitis

Newer medications like biologics, JAK inhibitors, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists are changing how doctors treat inflammatory skin conditions. Scientists are also exploring the role lifestyle plays in skin conditions like AD. Technology (telehealth and virtual visits) now allows people to see dermatologists who may not be at a close driving distance. 

While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, experts are hopeful. “We are in sort of a golden age of atopic dermatitis after many decades of drought,” says Lio. “I am incredibly excited to see how the new treatments lead to new and better understanding, which leads to even better treatments.” 

Cramond has come a long way from hiding her skin to now modeling. “It took a lot on the journey. I want people to know my story and not look at just my skin.”