Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is a chronically relapsing skin disorder with an immunologic basis. The clinical presentation varies from mild to very severe. In the worst cases, atopic dermatitis may interfere with normal growth and development. Treatment consists of adequate skin hydration, avoidance of allergenic precipitants, topical anti-inflammatory medications, systemic antihistamines, and antibiotic coverage of secondary infections.
Although often used interchangeably, the terms eczema and atopic dermqtitis are not equivalent. Eczema is a reaction pattern with various causes, the most common pediatric cause being atopic dermatitis. Other causes of eczematous dermatitis include allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, nummular eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, asteatotic eczema, and lichen simplex chronicus. Eczematous reactions can be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on historical and physical characteristics.