Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are the Differences Between Dermatitis and Eczema?Atopic Dermatitis vs. EczemaThe Types of Dermatitis and EczemaDiagnosis and Treatment MethodsWays to Prevent Dermatitis and EczemaFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are the Differences Between Dermatitis and Eczema?
Atopic Dermatitis vs. Eczema
The Types of Dermatitis and Eczema
Diagnosis and Treatment Methods
Ways to Prevent Dermatitis and Eczema
Frequently Asked Questions
The termsatopic dermatitisand eczema are often used interchangeably. Both refer to inflamed and irritated skin, but there are some key differences between the two conditions.
S Benitez / Getty Images
Dermatitisis a general term used to refer to inflammation of the skin. It can refer to things like rashes, acne, and even dandruff. Skin redness, dryness, and itchiness are the most common symptoms of dermatitis, but scaling, flaking, and blisters can also occur.
Dermatitis can be temporary, but when it occurs on a more chronic and longer-lasting basis, it is usually referred to as eczema. While many forms of dermatitis are commonly referred to as different forms of eczema, the most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects more than 31 million Americans.
Atopic dermatitisis the most common form of eczema, and it typically begins during childhood. Atopic dermatitis often causes a red rash in the creases of the elbows and knees. Babies also often develop atopic dermatitis on the scalp and cheeks.
Atopic dermatitis is common among people with a personal or family history ofhay feveror asthma, as the conditions commonly occur together. It can also sometimes be related to a food allergy. Affected areas of the skin may turn darker and develop small bumps that can become infected if they’re scratched and the skin is broken.
There are seven different types of eczema, or chronic dermatitis, that occur from different causes. These are:
Atopic vs. Contact Dermatitis: How They Differ
Verywell / Laura Porter
Redness and swelling of the skin at the site of application may indicate an allergy to a particular substance. If your patch test comes back positive for a specific allergy, you should avoid contact with this substance.
In moderate to severe cases of eczema when topical prescription treatments have not worked well or aren’t advised, biologics such as Dupixent (dupilumab) and Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm), orJanus kinase (JAK) inhibitorsincluding Cibinqo (abrocitinib) and Rinvoq (upadacitinib) are other treatment options.
If you have atopic dermatitis that does not improve with any of these treatment options, your doctor may recommendphototherapyor food avoidance if the condition is related to a food allergy. Phototherapy involves exposing affected skin areas to ultraviolet light two to three times a week to promote skin healing.
How to Treat Toddler Eczema
Summary
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, while eczema refers to a chronic case of dermatitis. (Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation in general.) There are also other types of eczema that can lead to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. A primary care doctor or dermatologist can usually diagnose the two conditions through a physical exam. Keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding activities or habits that irritate your skin are the best ways to treat and keep flare-ups at bay.
A Word From Verywell
Atopic dermatitis and all other forms of eczema are inflammatory skin conditions. Avoiding contact with irritating substances and allergens can help decrease flare-ups and improve your symptoms. For atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema that still persist even when minimizing exposure to irritants, topical steroid medications are typically the most beneficial for relieving redness, itching, and skin dryness.
Can you have atopic dermatitis and symptoms of other types of eczema at the same time?
It is possible to have more than one type of eczema at a time, especially because dyshidrotic dermatitis and neurodermatitis often result from other forms of eczema like atopic dermatitis. You can also have atopic dermatitis and develop other types of eczema if your skin comes in contact with an allergen, irritating substance, or fungus.
How common is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, affecting about 16.5 million American adults and more than 9.6 million children.
What triggers atopic dermatitis and eczema?
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Usatine RP, Riojas M.Diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2010;82(3):249-55.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic rash on the hands and feet. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(11):685-686.LEO Pharma.Adbry is now FDA-approved.National Eczema Association.Atopic Dermatitis.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Usatine RP, Riojas M.Diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2010;82(3):249-55.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic rash on the hands and feet. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(11):685-686.LEO Pharma.Adbry is now FDA-approved.National Eczema Association.Atopic Dermatitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.Usatine RP, Riojas M.Diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2010;82(3):249-55.Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic rash on the hands and feet. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(11):685-686.LEO Pharma.Adbry is now FDA-approved.National Eczema Association.Atopic Dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
Usatine RP, Riojas M.Diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2010;82(3):249-55.
Gangar J, Thiagarajan K, Veeraraghavan N.Pruritic rash on the hands and feet. Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(11):685-686.
LEO Pharma.Adbry is now FDA-approved.
National Eczema Association.Atopic Dermatitis.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
