VIDEO: Understanding the ‘vicious cycle’ of itch in atopic dermatitis

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So, atopic dermatitis is also known as the itch that rashes. And the reason for this is that itch is a fundamental component of atopic dermatitis. Now, the thought is that itch occurs in atopic dermatitis because atopic dermatitis or eczema is fundamentally outer layer of the skin is not working. Basically, it doesn't really have the proper glue and proteins and fats to hold the outer skin barrier together. And what happens then is that water easily escapes out of the skin, but also, things from the outside come in. And that can be allergens, that can be infectious agents like bacteria, things that shouldn't really get into the skin do, and they get in through those little cracks in the wall. And that triggers an inflammatory response. And that can be different immune cells. Like mast cells will release histamine, and as many of you know, histamine causes itch. It basically sends a signal to the brain that you should scratch, and then it's a cycle, right? 'Cause you're scratching, you're opening up the skin even more for other allergens to come in, other infectious agents to come in. So, it can be this vicious cycle. You get itch, you cause a rash, and the rash will cause more itch.