Itch Foundation - What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a very common skin condition that often begins in childhood but can occur in adolescence and adulthood. This condition causes itchy, red, dry, and thickened rashes affecting the flexor surfaces of the skin; such as the inside of the elbow or behind the knee.

Eczema is thought to be an allergic condition, and one of the three that make up the “allergic triad”. These include atopic dermatitis, seasonal allergies, and asthma. Patients with these conditions are thought to have immune systems that are more sensitive to allergens. In fact, it is common for patients with atopic dermatitis to also have a history of chronic stuffy or itchy nose (allergic rhinitis), asthma, and/or food allergies.

Atopic dermatitis can come in several different forms:

Hand dermatitis is a type that mainly affects the wrists and back of your hands; it is commonly seen among people whose hands are regularly exposed to wet environments.
Nummular eczema appears as multiple, coin-shaped rashes on the legs and arms. Over time the central portion of the lesions may clear, resulting in ring-shaped skin findings.
Eyelid eczema, as the name suggests, affects the eyelids. A similar type, atopic cheilitis, is a variant that causes dryness and peeling of the lips.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:

Dry skin
Intense itch
Red to brownish-gray patches of skin
Small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over if scratched.
Scaly, thickened, or cracked skin

The location of atopic dermatitis rashes may actually differ based on race and age of the patient. Caucasian patients tend to experience classic symptoms on flexor surfaces of the skin. African American, Asian, and pediatric patients tend to experience atopic dermatitis on extensor surfaces, such as the outside of elbows or the front of knees.

Atopic dermatitis varies widely in severity. Some patients only experience the occasional mild rash that clears without the use of medications. However, many patients experience AD severe enough to interfere with daily activities, reduce mental well-being, and impair sleep, leading to significantly reduced quality of life.

Common Questions

Is there a cure for atopic dermatitis?

There currently is no medication that completely cures eczema. Currently, treatments are directed at reducing the severity of symptoms and reducing exposure to triggers that may cause worsening or symptoms. For more information on treating itch in atopic dermatitis visit our treatment page here.

Where does atopic dermatitis come from?

Researchers believe that atopic dermatitis arises due to a combination of genetic and environmental triggers. However, the exact way they interact to cause this condition is not completely understood. Examples of common triggers include:

Dry skin
Ordinary household products (hand soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, and surface cleaner)
Fragrances
Fabrics
Antibiotic ointments
Certain dyes
Emotional and physical stress
Bacterial and skin infections

Who gets atopic dermatitis?

Children and infants are most likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis. Studies have shown that up to 20% of children worldwide experience atopic dermatitis, with symptoms usually appearing before age 5.
While atopic dermatitis resolves in most children by late childhood, it may continue into adulthood for some.

Is atopic dermatitis contagious?

Atopic dermatitis is not an infectious disease; therefore, it is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.

How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?

Physicians can diagnose atopic dermatitis based on a thorough skin examination and a close evaluation of your medical and family history. Physicians may also suggest patch testing to rule out other skin diseases. Atopic dermatitis is often accompanied by other allergies and unknown triggers, which can be identified through patch testing.