Atopic Dermatitis is an allergic skin disorder, also called eczema, it is more common in children, although many adults have it, and it is an inflammation of the skin, with dry and itchy skin, and rashes, especially on the face, behind the knees, and inside the elbows.

The causes and the mechanisms of atopic dermatitis are not fully understood, and in fact there are a few known triggers for it. It is in fact caused by both internal and external causes.
Internal
Although genetics play a role, it is not sufficient to have the culprit genes to have the condition. This increases the risks dramatically, but there are other factors that contribute to the onset.
External
The external causes of eczema are infections with fungi, or mites.

Genetics
Eczema can be triggered by many factors, and. Although not confirmed exhaustively, there is evidence that eczema is passed on genetically. In families where both of the parents have eczema, there is a chance of 80% that the children develop it as well. In cases with only one parent suffering of atopic dermatitis, the chances are 60%.

Allergies
The most important fact is to know that in most children’s case, eczema is an allergy symptom, it is a food allergy symptom and if you know what is the allergen, you can avoid eczema breakouts. More about this, later in the page. There is enough evidence to link infantile eczema to food allergies.

Fungus Infection
Dermatitis on head and neck, is many times the cause of infection with the fungus Malassezia furfur. Malassezia furfur feeds on the fat produced by the skin. Although it is not an atopic dermatitis, it can be cured at home, with antimycotics.

Demodex Mites Infection
Demodex Dermatitis, has been proposed as a specific condition caused by the Demodex mites. Although classified as Demodex dermatitis, it is worth mentioning, since it can be easily mistaken as an atopic one. Usually, it is accompanied by itching and acne.

Ctip2 gives researchers hope in curing eczema
Recent discoveries at the Oregon State University, show that the underlying problem of eczema is the improper activity of the Ctip2, a protein that controls the fat balance in skin, and also controls the TSLP production. Fat is essential for maintaining a perfect moisture balance in skin, and TSLP, another protein that triggers inflammatory response in skin.
Here is the entire article published on plosone.org: Ctip2/Bcl11b and Atopic Dermatitis

Zinc Deficiency
Researches believe that eczema could be caused by Zinc deficiency, which in turn creates an imbalance in the immunity system. There is no definite evidence to support the Zinc’s role in eczema treatment, but safely supplementing your diet with Zinc can only benefit you.