Medline Plus: Eczema – National Library of Medicine – National …

Atopic dermatitis is along-term(chronic)skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.

Other forms of eczema include:

Atopicdermatitis is due to a skinreaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin. The reaction leads to ongoing swelling and redness. People with atopic dermititis may be more sensitive because their skin lacks certain proteins.

Atopic dermatitisis most common in infants. It may start as early as age 2 to 6 months. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood.

People withatopic dermatitisoften have asthma or seasonal allergies.There is often a family history of allergiessuch as asthma, hay fever, or eczema. People with atopic dermatitis oftentest positive toallergy skin tests.However, atopic dermatitis is not caused by allergies.

The following can makeatopic dermatitissymptoms worse:

Skin changes may include:

The type and locationof the rash can depend on the age of the patient:

Intense itching is common.Itching may start even before the rash appears. Atopic dermatitis is often called the "itch that rashes" because the itching starts, and then the skin rashfollows as a result ofscratching.

The health care provider will give you an exam and look at your skin. A physical exam will be done. You may need askinbiopsy to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of dry, itchy skin.

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