Atopic Dermatitis - Exams and Tests
Most cases of atopic dermatitis can be diagnosed from a medical history and a physical exam. You will be asked about your family history of allergic conditions, when the itch first started, and when the rash first appeared. What the rash look likes and where it is located will help your doctor make a diagnosis. Your or your child's condition is more likely to be atopic dermatitis if a parent or brother or sister has an allergic condition (especially asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis).
Allergy testing
Your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify any factors that are related to atopic dermatitis flares. Allergy testing is most helpful for people with atopic dermatitis who also have respiratory allergies or asthma. Allergy testing can help identify certain allergens. But test results are often false-positive. For more information, see the topic Allergy Tests.
Eczema and Stress: The Emotional Impact
If you find that your eczema flares up right before a big presentation or in the middle of tax season, it’s no coincidence. Experts have known for years that stress can make eczema worse. In fact, a branch of medicine, called psychodermatology, examines how the mind affects the skin. "During times of stress, the inflammation in the skin increases, as a way to protect the skin from harm," says Donald V. Belsito, professor of clinical dermatology at Columbia University. "So if you already have inflammation...
Read the Eczema and Stress: The Emotional Impact article > >
If a specific allergen is thought to trigger your atopic dermatitis, you and your doctor will discuss how to eliminate it from your diet or environment while closely observing and recording your symptoms.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Atopic Dermatitis Topics
Today in Allergies
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.