Atopic Dermatitis Treatment, Symptoms & Causes | NIAMS

The most common symptom of atopic dermatitis is itching, which can be severe. Other common symptoms include:

The symptoms can flare in multiple areas of the body at the same time and can appear in the same locations and in new locations. The appearance and location of the rash vary depending on age; however, the rash can appear anywhere on the body.

During infancy and up to 2 years of age, it is most common for a red rash, which may ooze when scratched, to appear on the:

Some parents worry that the infant has atopic dermatitis in the diaper area; however, the condition rarely appears in this area.

During childhood, usually 2 years of age to puberty, it is most common for a red thickened rash, which may ooze or bleed when scratched, to appear on the:

During the teenage and adult years, it is most common for a red to dark brown scaly rash, which may bleed and crust when scratched, to appear on the:

Other common skin features of atopic dermatitis include:

In addition, people with atopic dermatitis often have other conditions, such as:

Researchers continue to study why having atopic dermatitis as a child can lead to the development of asthma and hay fever later in life.

Complications of atopic dermatitis can happen. They include:

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Atopic Dermatitis Treatment, Symptoms & Causes | NIAMS