Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is a chronic condition that makes the skin dry, inflamed and itchy. It can occur at any age but often begins in infancy or childhood. Symptoms typically alternate between quieter periods and flare-ups. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious.
Symptoms
- Dry, itchy or cracked skin
- Inflamed, scaly, crusted or thickened patches
- Skin that blisters, weeps or bleeds during a flare
- Changes in color that may appear red, purple, gray, lighter or darker depending on skin tone
Common sites include the hands, face, inside the elbows and behind the knees. Scratching can damage the skin, disturb sleep and increase the risk of infection.
Triggers
Triggers vary and can include soaps, detergents, some fabrics, heat, sweating, dry weather, stress, skin infections and allergens. Food is not a common cause of eczema, and foods should not be removed from a child’s diet without medical advice.
Treatment and skin care
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer regularly, including when the skin is clear. A clinician may prescribe a topical corticosteroid for inflamed areas. When used at the recommended strength, amount and duration, topical corticosteroids are an established treatment. Other prescription topical treatments, phototherapy or systemic medications may be considered for more severe disease.
Use gentle skin-care products and avoid known irritants. Keep nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching.
When to seek medical advice
Arrange an assessment if eczema is new, persistent, affecting sleep or daily life, or not improving with treatment. Seek prompt medical care if the skin suddenly becomes painful, warm, swollen, rapidly worse, crusted, leaking fluid or covered with pus-filled spots, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Rapidly worsening painful eczema with clusters of blisters or punched-out sores can be eczema herpeticum and needs urgent assessment.
This information is general and does not replace individual medical assessment or treatment.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.