Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
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.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema, and
sometimes people use the two terms interchangeably. But there are many terms
used to describe specific forms of eczema that may have very similar symptoms to
atopic dermatitis. These are listed and briefly described below.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin and is the most common cause of eczema. The condition tends to come and go, depending upon exposures to triggers or causative factors. Factors that may cause atopic dermatitis (allergens) include environmental factors like molds, pollen, or pollutants; contact irritants like soaps, detergents, nickel (in jewelry), or perfumes; food allergies; or other allergies. Around two-thirds of those who develop the condition do so prior to 1
year of age. When the disease starts in infancy, it is sometimes termed infantile eczema. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, and people who develop the condition often have a family history of other allergic conditions such as asthma or hay fever.
Contact eczema
Contact eczema (contact dermatitis) is a localized reaction that includes
redness, itching, and burning in areas where the skin has come into contact with an
allergen (an allergy-causing substance to which an individual is sensitized) or
with a general irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical.
Other examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, soaps, nickel
(present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing, and perfume. Due to the vast
number of substances with which individuals have contact, it can be difficult to
determine the trigger for contact dermatitis. The condition is sometimes
referred to as allergic contact eczema (allergic contact dermatitis) if the
trigger is an allergen and irritant contact eczema (irritant contact dermatitis)
if the trigger is an irritant. Skin reactions to poison ivy and poison sumac are
examples of allergic contact eczema. People who have a history of allergies have
an increased risk for developing contact eczema.
Seborrheic eczema
Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) is a form of
skin inflammation of unknown cause. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema
include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and
occasionally other parts of the body.
Dandruff and "cradle cap"
in infants are examples of seborrheic eczema. It is commonplace for seborrheic
dermatitis to inflame the face at the creases of the cheeks and/or the nasal
folds. Seborrheic dermatitis is not necessarily associated with itching. This
condition tends to run in families. Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent
shampooing, and weather conditions may all increase a person's risk of
developing seborrheic eczema. One type of seborrheic eczema is also common in
people with AIDS.
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) is characterized
by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin -- most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower
legs -- that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. This form of eczema is
relatively uncommon and occurs most frequently in elderly men. Nummular eczema
is usually a chronic condition. A personal or family history of atopic
dermatitis, asthma, or allergies increases the risk of developing the condition.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a chronic skin
inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch
(such as an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when scratched. Women
are more commonly affected by neurodermatitis than men, and the condition is
most frequent in people 20-50 years of age. This form of eczema results in scaly patches
of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms. Over time, the skin can
become thickened and leathery. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of
neurodermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is a skin irritation on the lower
legs, generally related to the circulatory problem known as venous
insufficiency, in which the function of the valves within the veins has been
compromised. Stasis dermatitis occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and
elderly people, with approximately 6%-7% of the population over 50 years of age being
affected by the condition. The risk of developing stasis dermatitis increases
with advancing age. Symptoms include itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration
of the skin on one or both legs. Progression of the condition can lead to the
blistering, oozing skin lesions seen with other forms of eczema, and ulcers may
develop in affected areas. The chronic circulatory problems lead to an increase
in fluid buildup (edema) in the
legs. Stasis dermatitis has also been referred to as varicose eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrotic dermatitis) is an
irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized
by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Dyshidrotic
eczema is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis, or
pompholyx. This form of eczema occurs in up to 20% of people with hand eczema
and is more common during the spring and summer months and in warmer climates.
Males and females are equally affected, and the condition can occur in people of
any age.
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.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Symptoms of non-bullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo symptoms include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
Asthma is a common disorder in which
chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness,
cough and wheezing.
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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.
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury is also contained in some fish, some of the products we use in the home, school, or dentist. Information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, symptoms of exposure, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury is important for the health of you, and your family.
Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can be treated with medications such as calamine lotion and cortisone drugs.
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Managing allergies caused by indoor allergens means reducing your exposure to them.
Fragrances and preservatives in cosmetics may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling after the product comes in contact with the person's skin. Treatment typically involves the use of over-the-counter cortisone creams.
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to a substance in the workplace. Symptoms and signs include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The usual treatment for occupational asthma involves removal from exposure and the use of bronchodilators and inhaled anti-inflammatory medicines.
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