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Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a relatively common condition. People with atopic dermatitis will experience dry, itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. Flares may occur at all points in life, but are particularly prominent in infancy. This is a genetic condition that cannot be cured – however, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Liz Damstetter can help patients find relief from atopic eczema. With proper care, eczema symptoms can be reduced so patients can enjoy healthier and smoother skin with excellent control of symptoms like itching or irritation.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is also referred to as eczema. This condition causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is most common in infants and children (called pediatric atopic dermatitis or infantile eczema) but can occur in patients of any age. When people develop atopic dermatitis as an adult, it’s called adult onset atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, through most patients will experience periodic flare-ups. Often, atopic dermatitis patients will also suffer from asthma or hay fever.
What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a genetic condition in which the skin barrier is unable to properly retain moisture. In healthy skin, retaining moisture protects from allergens, irritants, and bacteria. As such, patients with atopic dermatitis are more sensitive to environmental irritants, allergens, skin diseases, and infectious agents in addition to chronic dry skin symptoms. In severe atopic dermatitis, the dry skin can become very prominent. The most prominent risk factor of eczema is a family history.
Atopic dermatitis is marked by skin barrier defects and skin inflammation, often triggered by disease flares that leave patients with very dry skin and discomfort. Individuals with moderate to severe cases may experience skin barrier dysfunction, which can vary based on your response to topical treatments. This condition is closely linked to other atopic diseases and can significantly impact mental health, especially during prolonged flare-ups. Keeping the skin moisturized is essential for improving skin barrier function, and ongoing clinical trials continue to explore more effective therapies for lasting relief.
Is Atopic Dermatitis Contagious?
Although atopic dermatitis may appear contagious, it can’t be passed to another person. It’s primarily a dysfunction of your skin rather than a contagious bacterium or virus. This means you can’t pass along eczema by someone touching the affected skin.
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Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms
The most common symptom of atopic dermatitis is dry and itchy skin. Itching can be severe and is often worse at night. Patients may also develop red, brown, or gray patches on the skin. These are most common in areas including the elbows, knees, hands, feet, wrists, ankles, neck, chest, or eyelids. Infants also commonly have atopic dermatitis patches on the face or scalp. The skin can develop small bumps, which may occasionally leak fluid or crust, especially when scratched. Thickened or scaly skin is also common, especially in severe eczema. Finally, patients may experience swelling and tenderness as a result of scratching the developing atopic dermatitis.

How is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed?
Atopic dermatitis can appear similar to other skin conditions (such as allergic contact dermatitis), meaning Dr. Damstetter will diagnose atopic dermatitis during a thorough examination of your skin and medical history. In some cases, a blood test, allergy test, or skin biopsy might be used. Then, she will discuss ways to treat atopic dermatitis and manage your symptoms.
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. However, proper care with the help of a dermatologist can help you manage atopic dermatitis. Applying a moisturizer twice daily will help reduce dryness. It can also be helpful to identify any triggers that may cause a flare-up, such as sweat, stress, detergents, soap, dust, or pollen. Food allergies may rarely contribute to atopic dermatitis flares. For some, taking oral allergy medications can help relieve symptoms. Avoid scratching as much as possible; gently press on the skin or cover the area if necessary. Finally, taking shorter baths or showers with warm rather than hot water, using mild and fragrance-free soaps, and gently but thoroughly drying the skin after bathing can help reduce atopic dermatitis symptoms.
What to Expect During Treatment
As needed, Dr. Damstetter can prescribe various treatments based on your disease severity to further prevent or relieve atopic dermatitis symptoms. Medical options for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis include topical corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitors, and other non-steroidal creams, antibiotics, or other anti-inflammatories. For severe cases of atopic dermatitis, light therapy, wet wrap therapy, and advanced immune-directed therapies such as Dupixent (dupilumab) injections may be prescribed to manage and prevent skin infections. During your appointment, Dr. Damstetter will evaluate your skin and determine an appropriate treatment of atopic dermatitis to help you find relief- as well as prevent atopic dermatitis flareups.
What to Expect After Treatment
After beginning treatment for atopic dermatitis, you may notice gradual improvement in itching, redness, skin tone, and skin texture of the affected skin over the course of several days to weeks, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment prescribed. Consistency is key and continuing your skincare routine, avoiding known triggers, and using prescribed medications as directed will help prevent future flare-ups. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Damstetter will ensure your treatment remains effective and can be adjusted as needed for long-term relief and healthier skin.
Atopic Dermatitis Treatment in Northfield, IL
To learn more about atopic dermatitis and your best treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Liz Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology in Glenview, IL or contact us online.