Atopic Dermatitis vs. Eczema: Is There a Difference?

Red, itchy, and scaly pores and skin from atopic dermatitis and eczema can be awkward, confusing, and all way too acquainted. These serious (that means they can very last a prolonged time) inflammatory circumstances can seem in childhood or keep on being dormant till adulthood, with a wide scale of severity along the way.

“When you have atopic dermatitis, you will have it for life, however signs might not generally be widespread,” dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, tells PS. While it may well sound bleak, these very long-time period pores and skin problems are typical and absolutely workable — equally at household and in a derm’s office.

So, what’s the difference concerning atopic dermatitis and eczema? We have tapped the professionals to split down almost everything you will need to know about these pores and skin conditions. Maintain examining to master a lot more about the signs or symptoms and how to address them.

Specialists Showcased in This Short article

Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.

Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, FAAD, is a board-licensed dermatologist and the founder of Bergen Dermatology in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

What Is Eczema?

The terms atopic dermatitis and eczema are employed fairly interchangeably mainly because they are in the long run section of the exact loved ones. “Eczema is a typical time period for inflammatory pores and skin disorders. And atopic dermatitis is a distinct form of and the most prevalent type of eczema,” dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD, states. It truly is a prevalent ailment, affecting a person in 10 folks, according to the Countrywide Eczema Association, that spans all ages, ethnicities, and skin hues.

It truly is significant to take note that eczema can also be an umbrella time period that refers to ailments like dermatitis, discoid eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis as a kind of eczema that appears as itchy patches of dry skin. These patchy lesions ordinarily pop up on the arms and the backs of the legs, with colors ranging involving pink and brown depending on your pores and skin coloration. The pores and skin may well crack, flake, or thicken (also regarded as lichenification). The problem is most commonly viewed among young children, nevertheless older people can surely be affected as nicely. And it is often hereditary. “If one father or mother has atopic dermatitis, there is a 50 percent probability that their youngster will have it,” Dr. Boakye suggests.

Atopic dermatitis has another minor relatives of its have, together with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma they are regarded as the atopic triad.

What Triggers Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema?

Despite staying prevalent, the specific cause of atopic dermatitis is mysterious — though there is expanding belief that it may possibly start as an autoimmune problem, according to a examine released in the British Journal of Dermatology. For each Dr. Boakye, the results in of atopic dermatitis or eczema can “be sophisticated and involve genetics and environmental factors that lead to pores and skin and immune program disruption.” For case in point, a family members record of bronchial asthma or allergy symptoms (like hay fever) can boost the prevalence of atopic dermatitis.

Eczema flare-ups can also be induced by exterior components (cold temperature, mold, and pollen) or irritants like cigarette smoke and specific fragrances. And last but not minimum, overdoing it on pores and skin care can also be problematic. “Damaged skin boundaries can also lead to irritation-susceptible skin,” Dr. Boakye suggests.

What Are the Signs or symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema?

Discomfort is the most typical symptom. It typically manifests as crimson, itchy, or dry skin — with inflammation common in far more average instances. “In intense instances, the skin may well acquire a rash that could bleed when scratched or may possibly ooze or secrete a very clear fluid,” Dr. Hartman suggests. If you are enduring persistent discomfort, a trip to the skin doctor can assistance deliver clarity and a course of treatment.

How Can You Address Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema?

In advance of you can correctly deal with atopic dermatitis, dermatologists believe it really is essential to understand and avoid your triggers. “Stay away from food items that can bring about an inflammatory response in the physique, like citrus and particular spices like cinnamon and cloves,” Dr. Hartman claims, introducing that “alcohol can also bring about atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms.”

This could signify shifting your life-style to lower stress, raise workout, and take in a additional wholesome diet program, or altering your schedule to moisturize promptly right after showers/baths and changeover to gentle, fragrance-free of charge items. Dr. Hartman endorses introducing inflammation-battling steps to your skin-treatment routine.

“There is proof to propose that pink-gentle phototherapy can assist handle signs of atopic dermatitis,” he claims.

For average to severe instances, Dr. Boakye notes that solutions could involve topical steroids, nonsteroidals, biologics, or phototherapy. When in doubt, your derm will know what is actually ideal for you.

Hannah Cassidy is a PS contributor.