Atopic dermatitis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shalinder Singh, M.B.B.S.[2]

The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include pruritus, distribution of rash in age-specific patterns, and dry skin. Symptoms differ depending on age, stage, race/ethnic group, and geographic location. Patients often have a personal or family history of asthma or allergic rhinitis. Patients with atopic dermatitis may report a positive history of cutaneous hyper-reactivity to diverse environmental stimuli and atopic disorders.

Patients with atopic dermatitis may have a positive history of:^[1][2]

• Cutaneous hyper-reactivity to diverse environmental stimuli including:
  • Exposure to food and inhalant allergens
  • Changes in physical environment (including humidity, pollution, etc.)
  • Irritants
  • Microbial infection
  • Stress
• Atopic march: development of clinical signs during childhood from atopic dermatitis to asthma to allergic rhinitis.^[3][4][5]
  • Clinical features of atopic dermatitis usually occur earlier in life.
  • Asthma and allergic rhinitis usually occur later on in life.^[6]

Common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:^[7][6]

• Severe pruritus: Can cause sleep disturbances in children^[8][6]
• Chronic or relapsing skin lesions
• Distribution of rash on:
  • Facial and extensor surfaces in infants and young children
  • Flexural lichenification in older children and adults

Less common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include:^[9][6]

• Facial pallor
• Dry skin especially in winter)
• Nonspecific dermatitis of the hands and feet
• Food intolerance
• Itch when sweating
• Difficulty sleeping and diminished productivity has also been reported as atopic dermatitis can cause severe pruritus.