Atopic dermatitis is commonly localized to the flexural surfaces of the body, anterior and lateral neck, eyelids, forehead, face, wrists, dorsa of the feet, and hands. There are 3 different clinical phases of atopic dermatitis: 1) acute: vesicular, weeping, crusting eruption; 2) subacute: dry, scaly, erythematous papules and plaques; 3) chronic: lichenification, thickening, from repeated scratching.

The “atopic march” describes the tendency for atopic dermatitis to precede the development of other atopic diseases such as food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in a temporal sequence.

No, atopic dermatits is not contagious.

Atopic dermatitis is usually diagnosed with collection of family history and clinical examination. In rare cases a skin biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Atopic dermatitis is chronic disease that can persist over time. You may need to try various treatments to control it. And even if treatment is successful, signs and symptoms may return (flare). It´s important to recognize atopic dermatitis early and start immediately with the treatment and we a specific self-care routine. The main treatments for atopic eczema are emollients and topical corticosteroids (creams or ointments). For more-severe cases, your dermatologist may prescribe oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or a a new, injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody) called dupilumab (Dupixent).