Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis — the most common form of eczema — is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, intensely itchy, and inflamed skin. It follows a relapsing-remitting course, and with the right management plan most people achieve good long-term control.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is caused by a combination of a defective skin barrier, immune system dysregulation, and environmental triggers. The impaired skin barrier allows irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily, triggering an inflammatory response that causes the characteristic itch and rash.
It most commonly begins in early childhood but can persist into adulthood or develop for the first time in adults. The condition is part of the "atopic triad" — many people with atopic dermatitis also have asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms
- Intense itching — often worse at night, disturbing sleep
- Dry, sensitive skin that may crack or bleed
- Red, inflamed patches — typically on the face, neck, elbows, and behind the knees
- Thickened, scaly, or leathery skin in areas of repeated scratching
- Weeping or crusting during acute flares
- Skin infections — the broken skin barrier increases susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections
Causes & triggers
- Genetic predisposition — a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever significantly increases risk
- Skin barrier defects — mutations in the filaggrin gene impair the skin's protective function
- Soaps, detergents, and harsh skin care products
- Allergens — dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and certain foods
- Heat, sweat, and temperature changes
- Stress and emotional upset, which can precipitate or worsen flares
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your eczema is severe, not responding to over-the-counter moisturisers, affecting your sleep, or showing signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, or oozing. Prescription treatments are significantly more effective than over-the-counter options for moderate to severe disease.
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Treatment options
- Emollients and moisturisers — the cornerstone of management, applied frequently to restore the skin barrier
- Topical corticosteroids — for reducing inflammation during flares
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) — steroid-free alternatives for sensitive areas
- Antihistamines — for itch relief, particularly at night
- Antibiotics — for secondary skin infections
- Dupilumab (biologics) — a highly effective injection for adults with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis not controlled by topical treatments
How eMedClinic can help
Our dermatologists will assess your skin, identify your triggers, and build a personalised treatment and skin care plan. We prescribe topical treatments and can refer for specialist biologics assessment where appropriate. No need to struggle through a foreign dermatology system — we are here in English.
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