Slide show: Common skin rashesBy Mayo Clinic staff
Atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ik der-muh-TI-tis), commonly referred to as eczema, is an ongoing (chronic) condition that causes itchy, inflamed skin. Most often it appears as patches on the face, neck, trunk or limbs. It tends to flare up periodically and then subside for a time.
At-home interventions, such as avoiding harsher soaps and detergents or other irritants and applying creams or lotions, can lessen symptoms or reduce the risk of flare-ups. Medicated creams or ointments also can lessen symptoms.Next slide Previous slide
- Belsito DV. Dermatitis, including atopic, contact, seborrheic, and stasis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/dermatitis.htm. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Buys LM. Treatment options for atopic dermatitis. American Family Physician. 2007;75:523.
- Pityriasis rosea. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_pityriasis.html. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- LeBlond RF, et al. The skin and nails. In: LeBlond RF, et al., eds. DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3659565. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Usatine RP. Diagnosis and management of contact dermatitis. American Family Physician. 2010;82:249.
- Drug hypersensitivity. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec13/ch165/ch165e.html. Accessed Oct. 21, 2010.
- Riedl MA, et al. Adverse drug reactions: Types and treatment options. American Family Physician. 2003;68:1781.
- Miliaria. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch118/ch118e.html?qt=Miliaria&alt=sh. Accessed Oct. 21, 2010.
- Janniger CK, et al. Intertrigo and common secondary skin infections. American Family Physician 2005;72:833.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- Lebwohl M. Psoriasis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/psoriasis.htm. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Trevino J, et al. Tinea (dermatophyte) infections. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/Tineainfect.htm. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Rosacea. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_rosacea.html. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cercarialdermatitis/factsht_cercarialdermatitis.htm. Accessed Oct. 18, 2010.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 25, 2010.