Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Many factors or conditions can intensify the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including dry skin, winter or cold weather, wool cloths, and other irritating skin conditions. These factors may further trigger the itch-scratch cycle, further stimulating the many times already overactive immune system in the skin. Repeated aggravation and activation of the itch-scratch cycle may cause further skin damage and barrier breakdown. These exacerbating elements can be broken down into two main categories: irritants and allergens. Emotional factors and some infections can also influence atopic dermatitis.
What are skin irritants in patients with atopic dermatitis?
Irritants are substances that directly affect the skin, and when used in high enough concentrations with long
enough contact cause the skin to become red and itchy or to burn.
Specific irritants affect people with atopic dermatitis to different
degrees. Over time, many patients and their families learn to identify the
irritants that are most troublesome to them. For example, wool or synthetic fibers
may affect some patients. Rough or poorly fitting clothing can rub the
skin, trigger inflammation, and prompt the beginning of the itch-scratch cycle. Soaps and detergents may have a drying effect and worsen itching, and
some perfumes and cosmetics may irritate the skin. Exposure to certain
elements (such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents) or irritants (such as
dust or sand) may also aggravate the condition. Cigarette smoke may
irritate the eyelids. Because irritants vary from one person to another,
each person has to determine for himself or herself what substances or
circumstances cause the disease to flare.
Common irritants
Wool or synthetic fibers
Soaps and detergents
Some perfumes and cosmetics
Substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. The cause of KP is unknown. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and the condition may resolve on its own. Gentle exfoliation, professional manual extraction, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, along with topical products, are the best treatments for this condition.
Swimmer's ear (external otitis) is an infection of the skin that covers the outer ear canal. Causes of swimmer's ear include excessive water exposure that leads to trapped bacteria in the ear canal. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, and ear pain. Chronic swimmer's ear may be caused by eczema, seborrhea, fungus, chronic irritation, and other conditions. Common treatment includes antibiotic ear drops.
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