What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin problem. It causes dry skin, intense itching, and then a red, raised rash. In severe cases, the rash forms clear, fluid-filled blisters. It cannot be spread from person to person.

Atopic dermatitis is most common in babies and children. Some children with atopic dermatitis outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older.¹ You may also get atopic dermatitis as an adult.

Atopic dermatitis is sometimes called eczema or atopic eczema. But atopic dermatitis is only one of many types of eczema.

See a picture of atopic dermatitis.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

The cause of atopic dermatitis is not clear.

People with atopic dermatitis seem to have very sensitive immune systems that are more likely to react to irritants and allergens.

Most people who have atopic dermatitis have a personal or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. The skin inflammation that causes the atopic dermatitis rash is thought to be a type of allergic response.

Things that may make atopic dermatitis worse include:

• Stress.
• Certain foods, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, or soy products.
• Allergens, such as dust mites or animal dander.
• Harsh soaps or detergents.
• Weather changes, especially dry and cold.
• Skin infection.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, followed by rash. The rash is red and patchy and may be long-lasting (chronic) or may come and go (recurring). Tiny bumps or blisters may appear and ooze fluid or crust over. Scratching can cause the sores to become infected. Over time, a recurring rash can lead to tough and thickened skin.

People tend to get the rash on different parts of the body, depending on their age. Common sites include the face, neck, arms, and legs. Rashes in the groin area are rare.

How severe the symptoms are depends on how large an area of skin is affected. It also depends on how much you scratch the rash and whether the sores get infected. Mild atopic dermatitis usually affects a small area of skin. It does not itch much and goes away with enough moisturizing. Severe atopic dermatitis usually covers a large area of skin that is very itchy. It does not go away with moisturizing.

How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?

A doctor can usually tell if you have atopic dermatitis by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your past health. Some of the questions might be: Do allergies run in your family? When did the itch first start? When did the rash first appear? Checking to see what the rash looks like and where it is located will help your doctor decide if you have atopic dermatitis.