Atopic Dermatitis Quiz
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Rashes
The skin is itchy and has scratches
Redness of the skin
Itchy
Symmetrical rash
My skin is dry
Rashes in areas of friction
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Allergic rashes. Risk factors include genetics, other allergic diseases, new skin products, and allergic foods. Childhood eczema cases can resolve by adulthood, but it can also occur in adults.
Typical Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
- Itchy skin
- Itchy skin that gets worse at night
- Multiple areas of skin redness or red spots
- Thick, leathery skin
- Skin over the entire body is red
- Known food allergy
- Welts appear when skin is scratched or rubbed
- Family history of Asthma, Eczema, Allergic rhinitis or Allergic conjunctivitis
Diagnostic Questions for Atopic Dermatitis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Does your skin get itchier at night?
- Do you have multiple red areas or spots on your skin?
- Do you have areas of rough or thick skin?
- Is your whole body red?
Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Treat flares early. Apply regular moisturizers at least three times a day, especially after bathing. Steroid creams help control inflammation. Severe cases may require wet dressings, steroid tablets, or light therapy.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Skin is dark and hard
- Itch is mild
- Itching
- Scratching the skin
- Nighttime itch is worse
- Leathery skin
- Persistent, mild itch
- Itch
- A scratch
- Itch improves during the day
- Hard skin
- Itch is minor
- The skin is thick and rough
- My skin became harder
See full list
User Testimonials for Atopic Dermatitis
Female, Teens
Ubie helped by matching my symptoms to something that was a serious diagnosis. Apart from asking multiple questions it was quite accurate as the dermatologist had a similar analysis. My symptoms included itchy patchy skin with many red rashes, swelling, and irritated skin texture. My dermatologist finally diagnosed me with eczema.
(Feb 1, 2025)
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FAQs
Q.
Still Itching? Why Your Skin Is Flaring & Medically Approved Eczema Cream Steps
A.
If eczema is still itchy or flaring, there are several factors to consider. Common reasons include an unrepaired skin barrier, ongoing triggers, or needing stronger treatment; the core routine is short lukewarm showers, then a thick fragrance free ceramide or petrolatum based cream within 3 minutes, plus moisturizing at least twice daily alongside anti inflammatory medicine when active. See below for medically approved step by step cream use, key ingredients to choose and avoid, trigger tracking, common mistakes, and when to seek care for signs of infection or if there is no improvement after 1 to 2 weeks, plus how to tell if the rash may not actually be atopic dermatitis.
References:
* Irvine AD, McLean WH, Leung DY. The skin barrier in atopic dermatitis: beyond FLG. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011 May;127(5):1202-1213.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2011.01.030. Epub 2011 Feb 17. PMID: 21324546; PMCID: PMC3090627.
* Eichenfield LF, Tom WL, Berger T, et al. Topical Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis: An Update. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Mar;84(3):792-805. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.08.083. Epub 2020 Sep 1. PMID: 32889150.
* Nemoto O, Honda T, Yagisawa R, et al. Atopic Dermatitis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, and Therapeutic Strategies. Biomolecules. 2022 Nov 25;12(12):1743. doi: 10.3390/biom12121743. PMID: 36551068; PMCID: PMC9775080.
* Wollenberg A, Eichenfield LF, Paller AS, et al. Moisturisers for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: A review of the evidence. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Oct;83(4):1146-1158. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.089. Epub 2020 Apr 18. PMID: 32311200.
* De Benedetto A, Loeb DM, Kouba DJ. Current and emerging topical therapies for atopic dermatitis. Cutis. 2023 Apr;111(4):198-202. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0747. PMID: 37270921.
Q.
Skin Not Healing? Why Your Skin Is Inflamed and Medically Approved Tacrolimus Ointment Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. Persistent skin inflammation usually stems from eczema, a weakened skin barrier, repeated irritants, or infection, and medically approved tacrolimus ointment, a non steroid option for atopic dermatitis, calms the immune response and is often chosen when steroids are not enough or for delicate areas. See below for the step by step plan to repair the barrier, reduce triggers, use anti inflammatory therapy like tacrolimus under medical guidance, and recognize red flags such as spreading redness, severe pain, fever, or blistering that could change your next steps.
References:
* Reinke G, Rovey G, Dabbous TZ. Chronic inflammation and cutaneous wound healing: an update. Exp Dermatol. 2022 Jan;31(1):50-57. doi: 10.1111/exd.14418. Epub 2021 Oct 21. PMID: 35029312.
* Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. The skin barrier and its disorders. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2019 May;44(4):4-7. doi: 10.1111/ced.13746. Epub 2019 Mar 19. PMID: 29778713.
* Ruzicka T, Assmann T, Homey B. Topical calcineurin inhibitors: a comprehensive review of their mechanisms of action and clinical uses. Clin Ther. 2004 May;26(5):768-81. doi: 10.1016/s0149-2918(04)90150-1. PMID: 15155981.
* Gupta AK, Gover MD. Topical tacrolimus in inflammatory dermatoses: an update. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jun;18(3):355-364. doi: 10.1007/s40257-017-0275-z. PMID: 28416041.
* Hon KL, Leung AK, Ching GK, Li CY, Chan GC, Lee YC, Cheung CK, Chu IM. A comprehensive review of tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Nov;7(6):835-48. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2014.966904. Epub 2014 Oct 2. PMID: 25425661.
Q.
Itch Won’t Stop? Why Your Skin Is Flaring & Medically Approved Eczema Treatment
A.
Eczema flares happen when a weakened skin barrier meets triggers like dryness, irritants, allergens, stress, sweat, and heat, and they can be controlled with daily thick moisturizers plus medically approved treatments such as topical steroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatories, antihistamines for sleep, wet wrap therapy, phototherapy, and biologic injections. There are several factors to consider, including which medicines fit each body area, safe application timing, lifestyle changes that reduce flares, and urgent warning signs, so see the complete, step-by-step guidance below to choose the right next steps.
References:
* Guttman-Yassky E, Bissonnette R, McLean WHI, et al. Atopic dermatitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019;5(1):1. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0063-8
* Weidinger S, Beck LA, Bieber T, et al. Atopic dermatitis: a disease of altered skin barrier and immune dysregulation. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;141(1):50-57. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2017.09.006
* Yosipovitch G, Bernhard JD. Clinical practice. Chronic pruritus. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(17):1625-1634. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1205468
* Silverberg JI, Guttman-Yassky E, Paller AS, et al. New and emerging systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(8):3010-3023. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2021.05.006
* Wollenberg A, Barbarot S, Bieber T, et al. Consensus-based European guidelines for treatment of atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children: part I. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(5):657-681. doi:10.1111/jdv.14891
Q.
Eczema Rash Won't Stop? Why Your Skin Is Flaring & Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more. Persistent eczema flares often stem from a weakened skin barrier, hidden irritants or allergens, under-moisturizing, treatment that is not strong enough, infection, or stress; next steps include optimizing gentle skincare and trigger avoidance, and seeking medical care if not improving in 1 to 2 weeks or if there are infection signs, severe itch, spreading rash, or involvement of the face, eyes, or genitals, with options like stronger prescription topicals, phototherapy, or biologics.
References:
* Czarnowicki T, Eshtiaghi P, Gill R, Chen H, Singh B, Guttman-Yassky E. Mechanisms of flares in atopic dermatitis. F1000Res. 2017 Mar 21;6:326. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.10549.1. PMID: 28386348; PMCID: PMC5369280.
* Kim J, Kim BE, Leung DYM. Update on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2019 Sep;11(5):604-613. doi: 10.4168/aair.2019.11.5.604. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31448858; PMCID: PMC6720475.
* Ständer S, Luger T, Choy V, Chrostowska-Stefańska K, Thaçi D. New and Emerging Systemic Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis: A Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 Mar;24(2):231-248. doi: 10.1007/s40257-022-00755-6. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36517618; PMCID: PMC9959556.
* Saenz R, Eichenfield LF, Paller AS, Siegfried EC, Silverberg JI, Totri C, Taylor L. Practical Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Review for the General Practitioner. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Feb 1;21(2):160-167. doi: 10.36849/JDD.6449. PMID: 35133647.
* Honda T, Kabashima K. Role of skin barrier dysfunction in atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2022 May;149(5):1485-1492. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.03.012. PMID: 35508383.
Q.
Atopic Dermatitis? Why Your Skin Is Inflamed + Medical Next Steps
A.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response, leading to dry, itchy, inflamed patches that flare with triggers such as weather changes, irritants, and stress. Medical next steps center on daily thick moisturizers, doctor-guided anti-inflammatory treatments, and for tougher cases options like non-steroid creams, phototherapy, or biologics, with urgent care for infection or rapidly worsening rash. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below to help identify triggers, match symptoms by age, and choose the safest next step.
References:
* Bieber, T. (2022). Atopic dermatitis: an update on mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 149(3), 820-827.
* Wollenberg, A., Barbarot, S., Bieber, T., Christen-Zaech, S., Deleuran, M., Fink-Wagner, A., Gieler, U., Girolomoni, G., Lau, S., Muraro, A., Czarnecka-Operacz, M., Paul, C., Saeki, H., Simon, D., Stalder, J. F., Trzeciak, M., Vestergaard, C., von Kobyletzki, L., Taieb, A., & Ring, J. (2020). European guideline for the treatment of atopic eczema – part I. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 34(10), 1928-1947.
* Sánchez-Ramón, L., Domínguez-Jiménez, E., Domínguez-Sánchez, L., & Rodríguez-Mazarro, C. (2023). Atopic dermatitis: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current therapeutic strategies. Clinical and Molecular Allergy, 21(1), 1-15.
* Chang, Y. T., & Chen, H. P. (2020). Current Understanding of Atopic Dermatitis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(3), 843.
* Eichenfield, L. F., Stein Gold, L. F., & Paller, A. S. (2021). Atopic dermatitis: new advances in treatment and management. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(2), 229-239.
Q.
Still Itching? Why Hydrocortisone Cream Fails & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider if hydrocortisone cream is not stopping the itch, including a cause steroids do not treat such as a fungal infection or scabies, too weak a steroid, application errors, or eczema that needs broader care with skin barrier repair; urgent warning signs are outlined below. See below to understand more. Medically approved next steps include confirming the diagnosis, switching to targeted treatments such as antifungals, antibiotics, or prescription steroid or nonsteroid options, plus barrier repair, trigger avoidance, and appropriate antihistamines, with full guidance detailed below.
References:
* Ständer S. Chronic Pruritus: An Update on Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021 Jul;22(4):469-484. PMID: 33856006
* Levin D, Lam JM. Therapeutic strategies for topical corticosteroid resistance in inflammatory skin diseases. Br J Dermatol. 2022 Nov;187(5):611-620. PMID: 35770546
* Ständer S, et al. S2k guideline on the management of chronic pruritus - Update 2023. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Oct;21(10):1154-1181. PMID: 37775551
* Ständer S, Weisshaar E. New topical treatments for chronic pruritus. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2021 Oct;30(10):1093-1107. PMID: 34384351
* Kottner J, et al. Emerging and novel systemic therapies for chronic pruritus. Drugs. 2024 Feb;84(2):179-191. PMID: 38169828
Q.
Fire Under Your Skin? Why Your Body is Flaring and Next Steps for Eczema Relief
A.
Eczema flares can feel like fire under your skin because a weakened skin barrier and an overactive immune response cause intense itch, dryness, redness, and irritation, often triggered by dry air, heat and sweat, harsh or fragranced products, stress, allergens, illness, or hormones. Relief starts with daily thick moisturizers, gentle lukewarm bathing, trigger reduction, and doctor-guided anti-inflammatory treatments, while watching for infection warning signs and seeking care if symptoms persist or worsen. There are several factors to consider; see details below for specific trigger checklists, medication options including nonsteroidal creams and biologics, infection prevention steps, diet guidance, mental health support, and clear thresholds for when to seek urgent care.
References:
* Kim, J., Kim, B. E., & Leung, D. Y. M. (2020). Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis: Clinical implications. *Allergy and Asthma Proceedings*, *41*(Suppl 1), S3-S7.
* Langan, S. M., et al. (2020). The role of environmental factors in the development of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review. *British Journal of Dermatology*, *182*(2), 269-281.
* Wollenberg, A., et al. (2021). EADV guideline for the management of atopic eczema: an update with special regard to systemic treatments and comorbidities. *Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology*, *35*(Suppl 2), e113-e113.
* Sidbury, R., et al. (2022). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: Section 4. Treatment of atopic dermatitis with systemic therapies. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *86*(6), 1056-1077.
* Eichenfield, L. F., et al. (2021). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: Section 1. Introduction and assessment of atopic dermatitis. *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, *84*(5), 1157-1181.
Q.
Adult Eczema Relief: A Woman’s Guide to Healing & Next Steps
A.
Adult eczema in women is common and manageable with barrier repair, trigger control, and the right treatments. Core steps include thick fragrance free moisturizers, gentle cleansing, safe itch strategies, and when needed prescriptions like topical steroids, non steroid creams, oral medicines, or biologics. There are several factors to consider. See below for details on hormonal and stress triggers, common body areas, lifestyle supports, signs of infection that need prompt care, mental health impacts, and the exact questions to ask your doctor so you can choose the right next steps.
References:
* Weidinger S, Beck LA, Bieber T, Kabashima K, Irvine AD. Atopic dermatitis. Lancet. 2018 May 12;391(10138):1987-2003. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30116-0. PMID: 29753360.
* Paller AS, Jaworski JC, Parish NM. The adult patient with atopic dermatitis: a review for the general dermatologist. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Feb;78(2 Suppl 1):S1-S12. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.10.052. PMID: 29332822.
* Thyssen JP, Egeberg A, Gislason GH, Gjerde A, Skov L. Hormonal influence on atopic dermatitis flares in adult women: a systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Nov;79(5):932-942.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.06.012. Epub 2018 Jun 21. PMID: 29935398.
* Drucker AM, Eyerich K, de Bruin-Weller MS, et al. The Burden of Atopic Dermatitis: Summary of an Eczema Patient Forum. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jul;77(1):173-176.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.03.003. Epub 2017 May 17. PMID: 28527814.
* Brunner PM, Guttman-Yassky E, Leung DYM. The New Age of Atopic Dermatitis: An Update on Pathogenesis and Treatment. Trends Immunol. 2017 Nov;38(11):831-841. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2017.08.006. Epub 2017 Sep 25. PMID: 28958611.
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
David Boothe W, Tarbox JA, Tarbox MB. Atopic Dermatitis: Pathophysiology. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017;1027:21-37. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-64804-0_3. PMID: 29063428.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-64804-0_3Avena-Woods C. Overview of atopic dermatitis. Am J Manag Care. 2017 Jun;23(8 Suppl):S115-S123. PMID: 28978208.
https://www.ajmc.com/view/overview-of-atopic-dermatitis-articleKim J, Kim BE, Leung DYM. Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis: Clinical implications. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2019 Mar 1;40(2):84-92. doi: 10.2500/aap.2019.40.4202. PMID: 30819278; PMCID: PMC6399565.
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ocean/aap/2019/00000040/00000002/art00003;jsessionid=33w1dgp0s22ko.x-ic-live-01Strathie Page S, Weston S, Loh R. Atopic dermatitis in children. Aust Fam Physician. 2016 May;45(5):293-6. PMID: 27166464.
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/may/atopic-dermatitis-in-children/Ständer S. Atopic Dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 25;384(12):1136-1143. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2023911. PMID: 33761208.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra2023911