Atopic Dermatitis Versus Contact Dermatitis: How to Tell the Difference

I see many patients in my office for both atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. In many instances, the difference between these two diseases is quite obvious; in other cases, not so obvious. Some of my patients can even have both atopic and contact dermatitis at the same time, which is even more difficult to assess. While there are many similarities between these two common conditions, there are some important differences especially when it comes to the causes of the dermatitis.

 

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Atopic Dermatitis Versus Contact Dermatitis: How to Tell the Difference I see many patients in my office for both atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. In many instances, the difference between these two diseases is quite obvious; in other cases, not so obvious. Some of my patients can even have both atopic and contact dermatitis at the same time, which is even more difficult to assess. While there are many similarities between these two common conditions, there are some important differences especially when it comes to the causes of the dermatitis.   Daniel More, MD Allergies Expert A Tale of Two Eczemas: Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis Both atopic and contact dermatitis are forms of eczema. Eczema is not a diagnosis – rather, eczema refers to the actual rash that occurs as a result of these conditions. There are generally three different phases of eczema – acute, sub-acute and chronic. READ NOW All About Atopic Dermatitis Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, recurrent skin disease that commonly occurs in early childhood but can continue or start in adulthood. Like other allergies and asthma, atopic dermatitis tends to run in families. READ NOW All About Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an itchy, blistering skin rash typically caused by the direct contact of a substance with the skin. There are 2 types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. This difference is often difficult to tell apart, and is not usually an important distinction to make. Contact dermatitis results in 5.7 million doctor visits each year in the United States, and all ages are affected. READ NOW Featured Articles • The Single Most Important Exercise for You and Your Children • 4 Under-Appreciated Senses You Didn't Know You Had • The 23 Sneakiest Ways to Boost Your Metabolism • Keep It Healthy: 10 Ways to Be Nice to Your Brain • Best Headphones for Runners • How to Naturally Relieve Pesky Menstrual Cramps • Clean Your Way Fit With These Quick Tips • How to Burn More Calories Cleaning House Advertisement About Allergies  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Allergies newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.