Atopic dermatitis appears differently depending on age and location on the body. In infants and
young children, it commonly affects the face, scalp, and cheeks, often appearing as red, itchy
patches that may blister and ooze. In older children and teens, the condition typically develops
in skin folds like behind knees, inside elbows, neck, wrists, and ankles. Adult atopic dermatitis
often affects hands, feet, eyelids, and can appear anywhere on the body. The condition may be
classified by severity as mild, moderate, or severe based on extent and impact on daily life.
Atopic dermatitis develops when there’s damage to the skin barrier combined with immune
system dysfunction. Your skin normally acts as a protective barrier against allergens, irritants,
and bacteria. In atopic dermatitis, genetic variants prevent the skin from creating a strong
barrier, making it more permeable to irritants and allergens. When the compromised skin
encounters triggers, the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation, redness, and itching.
This leads to the characteristic dry, scaly, and inflamed patches. The intense itching causes
scratching, which further damages the skin barrier and can lead to secondary infections,
creating a cycle of worsening symptoms that requires professional treatment at facilities like
Cutis Hospital.
Atopic dermatitis is caused by a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental
factors. You may have genetic variants that prevent your skin from maintaining a proper
protective barrier. The condition often runs in families with histories of allergies, asthma, or hay
fever. Environmental triggers include allergens like dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, harsh
soaps, extreme temperatures, stress, and hormonal changes.
Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (harsh soaps,
detergents, fragrances), weather changes (cold, dry air or excessive heat), stress, hormonal
fluctuations, certain fabrics like wool, frequent bathing with hot water, and bacterial or viral
infections. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is crucial for managing the condition
effectively.
Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (harsh soaps,
detergents, fragrances), weather changes (cold, dry air or excessive heat), stress, hormonal
fluctuations, certain fabrics like wool, frequent bathing with hot water, and bacterial or viral
infections. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is crucial for managing the condition
effectively.
A dermatologist will examine your skin and review your medical history, including family history
of allergies, asthma, or eczema. They’ll ask about your symptoms, when they started, and
potential triggers. The diagnosis is typically based on clinical appearance and patient history. No
specific blood test exists for atopic dermatitis, though allergy testing may be recommended to
identify triggers.
While diagnosis is primarily clinical, your dermatologist may recommend patch testing to identify
specific allergens causing contact dermatitis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to
rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may be done to check for
elevated IgE levels, which are often present in atopic dermatitis patients. Allergy testing can
help identify environmental or food triggers that worsen your condition.
