What Happens

Atopic dermatitis causes repeated attacks of itching and rash that can become quite severe. It is most common in babies and children. Some children outgrow it. But many people, especially teens and adults, continue to have relapses or to have the condition, although not as severely.² Also, a person may get atopic dermatitis as an adult.

The condition may affect how children feel about themselves. A child may feel strange or different from other children because of the rash or restrictions in diet. The rash may make a child feel unattractive.

Complications

Some people with atopic dermatitis get patches of lighter skin. This most often happens on the face, upper arms, or shoulders. Chronic scratching or rubbing of the skin can also lighten or darken skin color. When the condition has been successfully controlled, skin color returns to normal over time.

Skin infections can happen more often in people with atopic dermatitis. The skin may become red and warm, and a fever may develop. Skin infections are treated with antibiotics.

Eczema herpeticum results when atopic dermatitis is infected with the herpes simplex virus. This is the virus that causes cold sores and genital herpes. In this condition, the rash blisters and may begin to bleed and crust. You may also have a high fever. This is a serious infection, so contact your doctor right away.