Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionTypesCauses and Risk FactorsSymptomsWhen to Seek TreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Types
Causes and Risk Factors
Symptoms
When to Seek Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema, affecting more than 9.6 million children and roughly 16.5 million adults in the United States.It is a chronic skin disorder that can cause the skin to be irritated, inflamed, and itchy.
Read more about atopic dermatitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.
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What Causes Allergies? Common Allergens and Other Factors
In those living with atopic dermatitis, the immune system becomes dysfunctional and overreacts, triggering inflammation that causes damage to the skin barrier. This can result in dry skin, itching, and a rash. Atopic dermatitis is often referred to as the “itch that rashes” because an itchy feeling often precedes the appearance of a rash."
There can be periods when atopic dermatitis is worse. These are called flares or flare-ups. At other times, the skin may improve or be entirely clear, known as remission.
The Types of Eczema
Although atopic dermatitis is sometimes referred to simply as “eczema,” AD is actually one kind of many possible forms of eczema.
“Eczema” is a term used to describe conditions that can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema.
It is possible to have more than one form of eczema at one time.
Other types of eczema include:
Contact Dermatitis
This form of dermatitisoccurs when the skin comes into contact with something that triggers an allergic reaction. It differs from atopic dermatitis because it is less likely to run in families and less likely to be linked to other conditions relating to allergies, like asthma and hay fever.
Nummular Eczema
Also referred to as discoid eczema, nummular eczema refers to eczema that appears as itchy, circular patches on the skin. The word “nummular” comes from the Latin word meaning coin, as it can look like coins on the skin.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
This form of eczema appears as intensely itchy, small blisters found on the palms of the hands, the edges of the fingers and toes, and the soles of the feet. It is more common in people with other types of eczema.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis Overview
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This chronic form of eczema can appear on oil-producing areas of the body like the scalp, nose and upper back. It can cause redness and scaling.
Causes and Risk Factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but researchers suspect a number of risk factors could play a role, including the following:
Exfoliative Dermatitis (Erythroderma): Widespread Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
The most common form of atopic dermatitis is itchy skin. Other symptoms include:
You should discuss any symptoms that worry you with a medical professional.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
A healthcare provider can create a treatment plan to manage symptoms. Treatment options can include medications, skin care, and phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light to treat symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It can cause the skin to be itchy, red, and uncomfortable. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and the immune system are believed to play a role.
The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be uncomfortable, but there are treatment options available. If you have any concerns about your health, you should speak with a healthcare provider.
How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
To diagnose atopic dermatitis, a medical provider will examine the skin, take a medical history, and ask about any symptoms. In some cases, consultation with an allergist-immunologist (a doctor trained to diagnose and treat allergies) or a dermatologist (a specialist in skin, hair, and nails) may be necessary. Some people may also need a skin biopsy (removing cells or skin samples to be examined in a lab).
What is the difference between atopic dermatitis and eczema?
“Eczema” is a term used to describe a number of conditions that can cause itchy, inflamed skin. There are many types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is one type of eczema and is the most common.
9 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.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Nummular eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic DermatitisMedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis overview.
9 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.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Nummular eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic DermatitisMedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis overview.
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.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Nummular eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic DermatitisMedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis overview.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.An overview of the different types of eczema.
National Eczema Foundation.Contact dermatitis.
National Eczema Foundation.Nummular eczema.
National Eczema Foundation.Dyshidrotic eczema.
National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic Dermatitis
MedlinePlus.Atopic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Atopic dermatitis overview.
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