Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It commonly begins in childhood but can occur at any age. Symptoms may come and go and often affect the face, hands, arms, and areas where the skin bends, such as the elbows and knees. People with atopic dermatitis have a sensitive skin barrier and an overactive immune response, which allows irritation, allergens, and bacteria to trigger inflammation more easily. Scratching can worsen the rash and increase the risk of skin infections.
Evaluation is usually based on the appearance of the skin and medical history. In some cases, allergy testing or blood work may be helpful to identify triggers or associated allergic conditions such as asthma or environmental allergies. However, broad food allergy testing is often not recommended, as it can lead to false positive results and unnecessary dietary restrictions. This is something that can be discussed in detail with your care team. Treatment focuses on restoring the skin barrier and calming inflammation and often includes daily moisturizing, prescription anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, and strategies to reduce itching. For patients with more moderate to severe disease, additional options including targeted biologic therapies can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
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