Atopic dermatitis: Taking care of your skin

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that causes intense itching and then a red, raised rash. It usually develops in early childhood and continues into the teen years. Adults also may have it or have milder symptoms than they did as children, along with sensitive-skin problems.

If you have atopic dermatitis, your skin is very sensitive to irritants and is prone to becoming itchy and developing a rash. Scratching may seem to relieve the itch, but it often results in a rash and leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of itching, scratching, and rash.

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1. Scratching helps soothe atopic dermatitis itch.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 5, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
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