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Finding Solutions for Eczema

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Everything to Know About Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Medically Reviewed By Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes inflammation and dry, irritated, itchy skin. Genetics and environmental conditions can trigger atopic dermatitis. Some people refer to atopic dermatitis as “eczema,” although many other types exist.

Atopic dermatitis can occur on various body areas and range from mild to severe.

Treatment with topical medications, self-care, and avoiding triggers may help reduce your symptoms and flare-ups.

Read on to learn about the symptoms and causes of atopic dermatitis, treatment options, and self-care tips.

Key facts about atopic dermatitis

  • Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema.
  • Symptoms include dry, itchy, or sore skin that may become discolored or thickened.
  • Causes of atopic dermatitis may include genetic and environmental factors, but research is ongoing.
  • Atopic dermatitis treatment can include hydrating ointments, topical steroids, and oral medications.

What is atopic dermatitis and what does it look like?

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Atopic dermatitis in infants typically affects the face, scalp, and areas where joints bend.

Miljan Živković/Getty Images

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Atopic dermatitis can affect the hands.

Ternavskaia Olga Alibec/Shutterstock

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Atopic dermatitis can affect the arms and legs.

Zay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock

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Atopic dermatitis can affect the ankles.

RandomizeTH/Shutterstock

Atopic dermatitis is the most common Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source type of eczema.

The condition may affect up to 25% of U.S. children, and typically develops by the time a child is 5 years old. Adults can also develop atopic dermatitis.

In children, atopic dermatitis often resolves by the age of 12 years old. However, it may continue into adulthood.

Atopic dermatitis and eczema types

There are many types of eczema, and atopic dermatitis is only one type.

Other types of eczema may differ in their symptoms or triggers. For example, nummular dermatitis causes circular or oval-shaped areas of skin irritation. Stasis dermatitis affects the lower legs and develops due to impaired blood flow.

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis commonly include:

  • dryness
  • itchy skin
  • cracked skin
  • red or brownish rash on people with light skin
  • purplish, brown, gray, or reddish rash on people with dark skin
  • thickening of the skin
  • bleeding or oozing clear fluid

The location of atopic dermatitis symptoms may differ depending on the person’s age. See the table below for areas where atopic dermatitis commonly occurs Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Go to source .

AgeLocations
Infants up to 2 yearsface, scalp, and areas where joints bend such as behind the knees
Childhoodankles, neck, elbows, and knees
Teenagers and adultsskin around the eyes, neck, hands, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet

What causes atopic dermatitis?

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unclear. However, experts believe that it is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetics

There may be a genetic component to atopic dermatitis.

A filaggrin gene mutation Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source might disrupt the order of the cells on the surface of your skin, breaking down the skin barrier and making it easier for water to get out and harmful substances to get in.

Environmental factors

Various environmental factors can trigger an overactive immune response, causing inflammation and symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

These can include:

  • allergens such as pollen and pet dander
  • certain food allergies such as peanuts
  • infection
  • dry skin
  • stress
  • some fabrics
  • soaps and household cleaners

What are the treatments for atopic dermatitis?

Treatment for atopic dermatitis commonly Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Go to source includes a combination of medical treatments and home remedies.

Medical treatments your doctor may recommend include:

  • topical corticosteroids, to decrease inflammation
  • topical calcineurin inhibitors, to decrease inflammation and reduce the frequency of flares
  • topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, which may help for symptoms that don’t respond to other treatments
  • oral medications, such as JAK inhibitors to suppress the immune response
  • injectable biologic medications, to block certain functions in the immune system
  • phototherapy, or light therapy, in cases where atopic dermatitis doesn’t respond to topical treatments

Home remedies and self-care tips that may help manage symptoms include:

  • applying fragrance-free moisturizers, which can keep the skin hydrated
  • bathing in warm water and patting the skin dry, which may help avoid skin irritation
  • trying wet wrap therapy, whereby you apply a wet wrap and topical medication at your doctor’s advice
  • diluted bleach baths, which can help alleviate symptoms at your doctor’s advice
  • avoiding triggers, to avoid worsening flare-ups

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor when you experience symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

They can also offer recommendations if you have an atopic dermatitis diagnosis and your treatment plan is not working.

How do doctors diagnose atopic dermatitis?

Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist to diagnose atopic dermatitis.

They will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms. They might be able to diagnose the condition at this stage or do a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

When talking with a doctor, questions it may be helpful to ask include:

  • Are there any foods I should avoid?
  • What ingredients should I avoid in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care?
  • How can I identify products and ingredients for sensitive skin, such as detergents and lotions?
  • Are there any OTC products you recommend?
  • What factors may worsen my symptoms?
  • Can I still exercise or should I avoid sweating?
  • Will my pets make my symptoms worse?
  • Do you have any suggestions on what might have caused or triggered my atopic dermatitis?
  • How can I avoid scratching my skin?

What are the complications of atopic dermatitis?

Having atopic dermatitis can increase the risk Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of infection, such as:

  • eczema herpeticum, a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can lead to meningitis or encephalitis
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • eczema coxsackium

Contact a doctor right away if you notice:

  • swelling
  • pain
  • pus
  • blistering or crusting of the skin
  • a feeling of warmth to the skin
  • red or discolored streaks on the skin

Learn more about skin infection symptoms and when to see a doctor.

Contacting a doctor when you have concerns about atopic dermatitis and following your treatment plan can help reduce the risk of complications.

Can I prevent atopic dermatitis?

Because the cause is uncertain, preventing atopic dermatitis may not be possible. However, steps to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups include:

  • applying topical medications as prescribed by your doctor
  • regularly applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer
  • keeping a trigger diary to write down substances or materials that may worsen your symptoms, and avoiding these triggers
  • avoiding rough clothing materials such as Trusted Source National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Governmental authority Go to source wool
  • using gentle fragrance-free soaps
  • bathing using warm water and gently patting dry

Your doctor can recommend other ways to care for your skin and reduce flare-ups.

Other frequently asked questions

Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD, has also reviewed the answers to these frequently asked questions.

How do I get rid of atopic dermatitis?

It may not be possible to get rid of atopic dermatitis completely. However, you can reduce the severity of your symptoms by:

  • avoiding triggers
  • following your medical treatment plan
  • practicing self-care tips such as regularly applying fragrance-free moisturizer.

Can atopic dermatitis go away?

In many cases, childhood atopic dermatitis may go away when the child is about 12 years old.

However, in some cases, it may continue throughout life.

What is the difference between atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis?

Atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis are the same condition.

When used alone, the term “eczema” includes many types, such as seborrheic dermatitis and dyshidrotic eczema.

Summary

Atopic dermatitis is the most common eczema, causing a dry, itchy, irritated rash. Genetics and environmental triggers can cause atopic dermatitis.

Your doctor may recommend topical medications for atopic dermatitis. In cases where these do not alleviate your symptoms, your doctor may recommend further treatments, such as oral or injected medications.

Home remedies such as regularly applying moisturizer, bathing with warm water, and avoiding triggers may also help you manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Contact your doctor if you have questions about atopic dermatitis or experience any symptoms of infection.

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    1. Atopic dermatitis. (2022). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis


    1. Atopic dermatitis 101. (2021). https://nationaleczema.org/blog/atopic-dermatitis-101/


    1. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview. (2022). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis


    1. Kaufman B, et al. (2022). Eczema in skin of color: What you need to know. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/eczema-in-skin-of-color/


    1. Nemeth V, et al. (2022). Eczema. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/


    1. Skin infections. (2019). https://medlineplus.gov/skininfections.html


Medical Reviewer: Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD
Last Review Date: 2023 Sep 15
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