Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic skin condition involving patches of dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. It can affect both children and adults. Various treatments can help manage symptoms.
“Eczema” refers to a broader group of skin conditions. Dermatitis relates to skin conditions, and atopic diseases are diseases caused by allergic reactions.
Atopic dermatitis often starts in childhood and tends to flare up periodically. During flare-ups, people with atopic dermatitis often scratch the affected area. This scratching can lead to more skin inflammation and worsen symptoms.
Currently, there’s no cure for atopic dermatitis, but you can manage symptoms. Treatment involves avoiding triggers, making lifestyle changes, and taking medications to ease symptoms.
Keep reading to learn more about atopic dermatitis, including what it looks like, causes, treatments, and potential complications.
The
Other symptoms can include:
- dryness
- redness or discoloration
- hardening or thickening of the skin
Eczema flares are part of the itch-scratch cycle. This means that the more you scratch, the more the skin itches, and that can lead to more scratching.
Atopic dermatitis can have different symptoms depending on a person’s age.
Learn more about scratching and itching.
Symptoms in infants
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in infants can include:
- dry, itchy, scaly skin
- a rash on the scalp or cheeks
- oozing and crusting
Infants with these symptoms may have trouble sleeping due to itchy skin. Infants with atopic dermatitis may also develop skin infections from scratching.
Learn more about eczema in babies.
Symptoms in children
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children from the age of around 2 years can include:
- a rash in the creases of the elbows, knees, or both
- scaly patches of skin at the site of the rash
- lightened or darkened skin spots
- thick, leathery skin
- extremely dry and scaly skin
- rashes on the neck and face, especially around the eyes
Learn about eczema on a child’s face.
Symptoms in adults
In adults, atopic dermatitis is more likely to affect the hands.
Adults are also more likely to have symptoms around their eyes.
Adults who had atopic dermatitis as children or who have had the condition for a long time may have discolored or leathery patches of skin that are easily irritated.
Learn more about eczema in adults.
View the slideshow below for photos of atopic dermatitis.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unclear. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, so you can’t give the rash to someone else.
The basic understanding of atopic dermatitis is that inflammation results from a misdirected immune reaction. This immune reaction causes too many inflammatory cells in your skin. These cells cause many of the condition’s symptoms.
People with atopic dermatitis tend to have dry skin because of an
Atopic dermatitis flare-ups can have various triggers. Examples of lifestyle and environmental triggers of atopic dermatitis flares include:
- frequent or lengthy exposure to hot water, such as hot showers or baths
- scratching
- sweat
- heat
- cold, dry weather
- soaps, detergents, and cleaners
- wool
- cigarette smoke
- pollen
- dander
- stress
Avoiding known triggers may help manage the frequency of flares or severity of symptoms. You can work with your doctor to identify what triggers may cause an atopic dermatitis flare.
Doctors can diagnose atopic dermatitis by asking questions about symptoms, taking your medical history, and performing a physical exam.
In some cases, they may order tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other types of eczema. Tests that can help
- blood tests
- skin biopsy
- allergy tests
While there’s no cure for atopic dermatitis, treatments can help manage symptoms.
Doctors may recommend a combination of home remedies and medical treatments.
Home remedies
Home remedies for atopic dermatitis can include:
- applying moisturizer, particularly after bathing
- taking oatmeal baths
- taking baking soda baths
- avoiding fragranced soaps and washes
- keeping fingernails short or wearing gloves to avoid scratching
Learn more about natural remedies for eczema relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
OTC treatments for atopic dermatitis can include:
- pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- antihistamines
- topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone
Medical treatment
A doctor may prescribe more powerful corticosteroids than those available OTC to help you manage inflammation and itchiness.
The injectable biologic medication dupilumab may help treat atopic dermatitis that does not respond to other treatments. It works by reducing the release of signaling molecules called interleukins that promote inflammation. Doctors may recommend it for adults and children ages 6 months and up.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicated bandages or wet wraps to apply over affected areas to keep your skin moist and prevent itchiness.
Learn more about atopic dermatitis treatment options.
Around 10% to 30% of children in developed countries have atopic dermatitis, according to a
If one parent has atopic dermatitis, it is more than 50% likely that their child will develop the condition. In cases where both parents have atopic dermatitis, up to 80% of children will develop the condition.
Atopic dermatitis can lead to cracked and broken skin that puts you at risk of bacterial or viral infections, especially if you scratch the affected areas.
Some types of infections, such as the viral infection eczema herpeticum, can be serious. Symptoms of this condition include:
- painful eczema that gets worse quickly
- fluid-filled blisters that break and leave open sores
- feeling feverish, shivering, or feeling generally unwell
It’s important to seek medical attention if you think you may have eczema herpeticum.
It’s not entirely clear why some people develop atopic dermatitis. There’s currently no known way to prevent it from developing.
However, keeping your skin moisturized and understanding what causes symptoms to flare up can help you minimize them.
Your doctor can help you find more ways to reduce the severity or frequency of atopic dermatitis flares.
If you or a child has symptoms of atopic dermatitis, visit a primary care physician or a dermatologist to receive the initial diagnosis. A doctor can help create an effective treatment plan and understand triggers.
If atopic dermatitis is affecting quality of life, it’s also a good idea to speak with a doctor to develop a management plan.
Call a doctor right away if you see signs of a skin infection, such as:
- pain, swelling, tenderness, or heat around the rash
- red streaks extending from the rash
- discharge from the skin
- fever
Can atopic dermatitis affect adults?
Yes, atopic dermatitis can affect adults. In developed countries, around
What is the ‘atopic march’?
With “atopic march,” a person initially has atopic dermatitis, and they later develop other atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies.
Can atopic dermatitis be cured?
There is currently no cure for atopic dermatitis. However, home remedies and medical treatments can help manage symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema. It’s a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy skin. While it’s more common in children, it can also affect adults.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unclear, but examples of possible triggers include hot or cold weather, detergents, wool, pollen, and stress.
Home remedies such as moisturizing and avoiding scratching can help manage symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Doctors may also recommend medical treatments, such as corticosteroids.
It’s best to speak with a doctor if you have concerns about atopic dermatitis. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and help you create a suitable treatment plan to manage symptoms and avoid complications, such as infections.