Atopy
Atopy or atopic syndrome is the predisposition to developing hypersensitivity toward certain allergens. People who suffer from atopic syndrome have an elevated allergen specific IgE antibody within their blood stream. This results in an increased risk of allergies, which then manifest themselves as the usual allergy symptoms.
Symptoms of Atopic Syndrome
What atopy refers to is that children who have one parent that is an allergy sufferer, have a 60% chance of also having allergies. If both parents have allergies, then the chance rises to 80%. Just because you may be atopic, however, doesn’t mean that you will end up with allergies. Environmental factors play a great role in the sensitization of people with atopy to certain allergens.
Some believe that society’s increased tendency to keep overly clean has contributed to immune system sensitization against allergens. The hypothesis is that lacking the proper stimuli to develop normally, the immune system instead is sensitized against non threatening allergen particles.
Treatments for Atopic Syndrome
Corticosteroids in the form of creams can help control itching and rash from atopic eczema, but the best solution is to identify and avoid the allergen that causes your symptoms.