What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a skin problem
that causes dry skin, intense itching, and then a red, raised
rash. It cannot be spread from person to person. For some
people, atopic dermatitis may be a long-lasting (chronic) skin
problem that requires more than one treatment. dermatitis is
most common in babies and children. Some children with atopic
dermatitis outgrow it or have milder cases as they get older.
Also, a person may get atopic dermatitis as an adult. Atopic
dermatitis is sometimes called eczema or atopic eczema. But
atopic dermatitis is only one of many types of eczema. See a
picture of atopic dermatitis . The cause of atopic dermatitis is
not clear, but it affects your skin's ability to hold moisture.
Your skin becomes dry, itchy, and easily irritated. People with
atopic dermatitis have skin that is sensitive to irritants and
dryness in the environment. Most people who have atopic
dermatitis have a personal or family history of allergies, such
as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) an