Atopic dematitis (ay-TOP-ick dur-ma_TIE_tiss), is the most common allergic skin disease in dogs.  During a flare-up, your dog's skin becomes extremely itchy, red, scaly, and irritated.  Atopic dermatitis can be widespread over the dog's body or limited to a few areas of the body, usualy the face, feet, folds, friction and flexure areas.*
 

The age of onset is usually between 6 months and 3 years of age.  Clinical signs are typically seasonal at first, but often become year-round over time.  In some geographic locations, a lack of seasonality is common from the beginning.
 

Atopic dermatitis is thought to be an inherited condition that runs in families.  Most dogs with atopic dermatitis will have relatives with atopic dermatitis as well.
 

*Friction sites are the areas that come in contact with the ground. Flexure points are the patches of skin covering the bent portions of the joints.
 

As with all drugs, side effects may occur.  In a field study, the most common side effects were gastrointestinal signs.  Gingival hyperplasia and papillomas may also occur during the initial dosing phase.  ATOPICA is not for use in reproducing dogs or dogs with a history of malignant neoplasia.