Atopic Dermatitis
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Atopic Dermatitis Overview

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What is the definition of Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammation of the skin that causes extreme itching and dry scaly patches on the scalp, forehead, cheeks, and face. Atopic dermatitis commonly occurs especially in non-Hispanic black children in the first year of life, and symptoms may last into adolescence or adulthood. There are several types of atopic dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and stasis dermatitis. Contact dermatitis – This type of atopic dermatitis is caused by a skin reaction to something that is touched and can be either an allergic reaction (allergic contact dermatitis) to plants, such as poison ivy, or to nickel, makeup, jewelry, or latex gloves. Contact dermatitis can also occur from exposure to certain skin irritants and toxic substances (irritant contact dermatitis), such as diaper rash, acid burn, dry, cracked hands from too much water contact, soaps, or an irritated mouth, battery acid, bleach, and pepper spray. Dyshidrotic eczema –This type of atopic dermatitis occurs when the skin barrier cannot protect the skin, causing very dry skin, itching, skin cracking, and blisters, usually on the hands or feet, and tends to have seasonal flares. Hand eczema – This form of atopic dermatitis can be caused by skin irritants, such as too much exposure to water, chemicals, or solvents, or from an allergic reaction, such as to latex gloves. Neurodermatitis – This form of atopic dermatitis is caused by scratching an intense itching on the skin caused by the body’s nerves. Nummular dermatitis – This type of atopic dermatitis looks different than other dermatitis and is characterized by small coin-like lesions on the skin and is most often caused by chemical irritants, allergic reactions, reactions to medications, or poor blood flow. Stasis dermatitis – This form of atopic dermatitis occurs from swelling in the lower extremities or irritants, such as perfumes, dyes, plants, grass, pet hair, or cleaning products.
What are the alternative names for Atopic Dermatitis?
There are several alternative names for atopic dermatitis, including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, and stasis dermatitis.
What are the causes of Atopic Dermatitis?
The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, although researchers believe that it may be a genetic condition (inherited) because the skin disorder tends to run in families. Atopic dermatitis may be further caused by a gene variation that prevents the skin from protecting itself, making it more vulnerable to allergens, irritants, and environmental factors. Individuals with atopic dermatitis often also have asthma or allergies, such as hay fever or food allergies, or have family members with allergies. Other factors that appear to increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis include living in a city with high levels of pollution, being female, of higher social class, being born to a mother of older maternal age, having an immune system disorder, being exposed to tobacco smoke, certain skin products or soaps, very hot or cold temperatures, dry weather, certain fabrics, or detergents.
What are the symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis?
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis depend on the type and vary by individual and include itching (which can be severe), dry skin, thick, cracked, scaly skin, red or brownish-gray patches on the scalp, face, eyelids, neck, upper chest, arms, wrists, hands, knees, ankles, or feet, and reddened, raw skin from scratching that may become infected. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis may be different in infants and children versus adults. In infants, atopic dermatitis may start when a baby is only 2-to-3 months old, appearing suddenly as an itchy rash on the scalp, face, and cheeks that may ooze fluid. Infants may have trouble sleeping due to their discomfort from the itching or develop skin infections from scratching. In older children, atopic dermatitis often appears as an itchy rash, with scaly patches in the creases of elbows or knees, as well as the neck, wrists, buttocks, legs, and ankles. In adults, atopic dermatitis is rare and may look different from that in infants and children, with an itchy rash that may cover much of the body, especially on the neck, face, and eyes, causing very dry skin, scales, cracking, and skin infections. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by remissions that are followed by flare-ups and may cause additional symptoms of sleep loss due to itching, or depression, or anxiety.
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What are the current treatments for Atopic Dermatitis?
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, treatments are focused on decreasing the itching, stopping the skin inflammation and dryness, lifestyle changes, and preventing infection as well as good skin care. Treatments used for atopic dermatitis include antihistamines (to ease itching), steroid creams (to ease skin inflammation), systemic corticosteroids (to ease both itching and inflammation in severe atopic dermatitis; prednisone), oral antibiotics (to stop infections), the immunosuppressant, oral cyclosporine (for atopic dermatitis that doesn’t respond to other treatments), phototherapy (ultraviolet light or PUVA to stop inflammation), the topical immunomodulators known as calcineurin inhibitors (to alter immune response; tacrolimus and pimecolimus ), the immunosuppressant, methotrexate, and barrier restoration creams (to moisturize and repair damaged skin). For severe atopic dermatitis that has not responded to other treatment, a new drug, the injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody), dupilumab (Dupixent) was recently approved for use. Treatment for atopic dermatitis also includes avoiding skin irritants and extreme temperatures, as well as practicing good moisturizing skin care, using non-irritant bath oils, creams, or ointments, in addition to lifestyle changes that help manage the condition and prevent flares, such as trying not to scratch the skin and identifying any possible food allergies that may worsen the condition.
Who are the top Atopic Dermatitis Local Doctors?
Andrew Blauvelt
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Andrew Blauvelt
Dermatology
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Andrew Blauvelt
Dermatology

James W. Baker MD LLC

9495 SW Locust St Ste A, 
Portland, OR 
503-445-2200
Languages Spoken:
English
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Andrew Blauvelt is a Dermatologist in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Blauvelt is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. His top areas of expertise are Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Actinic Keratosis.

Elaine Siegfried
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Elaine Siegfried
Dermatology | Pediatrics
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Elaine Siegfried
Dermatology | Pediatrics

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Pediatrics Specialty Services - Grand Boulevard

1465 S. Grand Blvd., 
St. Louis, MO 
314-268-4010
Languages Spoken:
English
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Dr. Elaine Siegfried diagnoses and treats skin-related disorders in infants and children. She specializes in treatments for atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, psoriasis, and vascular birthmarks. She participates in clinical trials for new treatments for eczema and psoriasis. Dr. Siegfried is interested in research investigating atopic dermatitis and pediatric drug development. She is a professor of pediatrics and dermatology in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Dermatology, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Siegfried is a past president and director of the American Board of Dermatology. She serves on the editorial board of Dermatology Times. Her memberships include the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Eczema Association and The National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias. Prior to earning her medical degree, Dr. Siegfried designed her undergraduate major, which was scientific art. Dr. Siegfried is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Atopic Dermatitis, Molluscum Contagiosum, Aplasia Cutis Congenita, and Clouston Syndrome.

 
 
 
 
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Wilson J. Liao
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Wilson J. Liao
Dermatology
Elite in Atopic Dermatitis
Dr. Wilson J. Liao
Dermatology

Dermatology Clinic At Mount Zion

1701 Divisadero St., Third And Fourth Floors, 
San Francisco, CA 
415-353-7800
Languages Spoken:
English
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Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Dr. Wilson Liao specializes in caring for patients with psoriasis and other skin disorders that may respond to phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light). Liao is interested in bringing cutting-edge research technologies into patient care in the clinic, a field called translational medicine. He is involved in a number of research studies on new therapies for psoriasis and skin cancer, and welcomes patient inquiries on study participation. Liao earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. He completed both his residency and fellowship in dermatology at UCSF. Dr. Liao is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. His top areas of expertise are Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, Guttate Psoriasis, and Tissue Biopsy.

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What are the support groups for Atopic Dermatitis?
There are several online, local, national, and international support groups for atopic dermatitis, including the following: National Eczema Association - https://nationaleczema.org/get-support/ National Eczema Society - https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/local-eczema-support-groups/
What is the outlook (prognosis) for Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis can be a chronic disease. However, atopic dermatitis that begins in an infant or young child usually improves, or even disappears, over time. Nearly 50% of children with atopic dermatitis will also have the condition as an adult, although usually in a milder form.
What are the possible complications of Atopic Dermatitis?
Complications of atopic dermatitis may include an increased risk of developing asthma and hay fever, chronic itchy, scaly skin, skin infections, extremely dry skin, eye eczema, allergic or irritant hand or skin dermatitis, darkened, thickened skin patches, depression and anxiety, and sleep problems.
When should I contact a medical professional for Atopic Dermatitis?
If your infant or child’s rash does not improve or looks infected, or if the individual is experiencing discomfort that affects daily activities and sleep, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. If the infant has both a rash and fever, seek immediate medical attention.
How do I prevent Atopic Dermatitis?
While atopic dermatitis may not be able to be prevented, the condition can be managed by avoiding irritant soaps, moisturizing the skin at least twice a day, avoiding triggers that can worsen the condition, such as stress, detergents, dust and pollen, identifying any possible food allergies, avoiding extreme temperatures of hot and cold or long exposure to water in baths and showers, and avoiding sweating and scratching affected skin areas.
What are the latest Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials?
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Baricitinib in Patients With Job s Syndrome With Lupus-like Disease and/or Atopic Dermatitis
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Baricitinib in Patients With Job s Syndrome With Lupus-like Disease and/or Atopic Dermatitis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 16, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1

Background: Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), also called Job syndrome, is a genetic disorder that affects the immune system. It can cause skin and lung infections and problems with blood vessels, connective tissues, and bones. People with HIES often have lupus-like disease or atopic dermatitis (skin rash). Researchers want to know if a drug approved to treat other immune system diseases (bariciti...

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Phase 1a/1b Randomized Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Single- and Multiple-Ascending Doses and Food Effect of BGB-45035 in Healthy Participants and Its Safety and Tolerability in Patients With Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases
Phase 1a/1b Randomized Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Single- and Multiple-Ascending Doses and Food Effect of BGB-45035 in Healthy Participants and Its Safety and Tolerability in Patients With Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 15, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: This study is the first-in-human (FIH) study of BGB-45035. The study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of BGB-45035 with both a single dose and multiple doses administered at different dose levels in healthy participants, followed by a Part E to evaluate the safety and tolerability of BGB-45035 in adults with autoimmune dermatological diseases like atop...

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