In this Article

• What is atopic dermatitis?
• What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema?
• How common is atopic dermatitis?
• What causes atopic dermatitis?
• Is atopic dermatitis contagious?
• What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?
• Can atopic dermatitis affect the face?
• Is the sufferer's skin type important?
• What are the stages of atopic dermatitis?
• How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
• What factors can aggravate atopic dermatitis?
• What are skin irritants in patients with atopic dermatitis?
• What are allergens?
• What are aeroallergens?
• What other factors may play a role in atopic dermatitis?
• How is atopic dermatitis treated?
• What is the hope for long-term management of atopic dermatitis?
• Atopic Dermatitis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Atopic Dermatitis - Describe Your Experience
• Atopic Dermatitis Glossary
• Atopic Dermatitis Index

What is the hope for long-term management of atopic dermatitis?

Although symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be very difficult and uncomfortable, the disease can be successfully managed. People with atopic dermatitis, as well as their families, can lead healthy, normal lives. Long-term management may include treatment with an allergist to control internal allergies and a dermatologist to monitor the skin-care component.

Atopic Dermatitis At A Glance

• Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema.
• The skin sensitivity of this disease may be inherited and genetically determined.
• The patient's skin may be "super sensitive" to many irritants.
• Dry scaly patches develop in a characteristic distribution.
• Itching varies but may be intense and scratching hard to resist.
• Scratching can cause skin thickening and darkening and lead to further complications, including bacterial infection.
• Extremely dry skin can break down and ooze or weep.
• If the itch can be controlled, the rash (which is aggravated by vigorous scratching) may be more readily contained.
• Treatment of atopic dermatitis is centered around rehydrating the skin with rich moisturizers like Vaseline and cautious use of topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Oral antihistamines are often necessary to break the "itch-scratch" cycle.
• Since secondary infections can aggravate the rash, topical or oral antibiotics may also be occasionally indicated.

Previous contributing medical author: Alan Szeftel, MD, FCCP

Atopic Dermatitis - Describe Your Experience

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