Learn about atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, allergic, non-contagious skin disease that causes itchy, scaly, flaky skin. It is the most common chronic skin disease and it usually begins in childhood (often appears between 2 months and 5 years of age) but can start at any age, also during puberty or later.1,2

Atopic dermatitis is complex; it is related to genetic and environmental factors.3

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, allergic, non-contagious skin disease that causes itchy, scaly, flaky skin. It is the most common chronic skin disease and it usually begins in childhood (often appears between 2 months and 5 years of age) but can start at any age, also during puberty or later.1,2 

Atopic dermatitis is complex; it is related to genetic and environmental factors.3

Atopic dermatitis european prevalence4

children

15% to
20%

adults

2% to
5%

The role of the immune system in AD5

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by a complex interplay within your immune system. Specifically, a part of the immune system known as Type II immunity becomes overactive. This means it reacts too strongly to common environmental triggers like allergens, leading to persistent inflammation not just in the skin, but often throughout the body. It’s important to understand that atopic dermatitis is an “immune-mediated” disease, meaning your immune system is overreacting to triggering factors, rather than an “autoimmune” disease where it mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.

This deeper scientific understanding of the immune system’s role in atopic dermatitis has revolutionized treatments. Understanding the immune players in atopic dermatitis and how they differ from other immune diseases has helped dial in on more effective and targeted atopic dermatitis treatments.

Symptoms and signs on your skin​

Atopic dermatitis symptoms can flare in multiple areas of the body at the same time and can appear in the same and in new locations.6 People with mild atopic dermatitis may only have small areas of dry skin that are occasionally itchy, but in severe cases, atopic dermatitis can cause widespread inflamed skin all over the body and constant itching.7

Itching is the hallmark of atopic dermatitis; more than 85% of people with atopic dermatitis experience this symptom every day.8  

When atopic dermatitis begins, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:9,10

  • Dry, scaly areas.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Red rash.
  • Allergic diseases.
  • Mental health issues.
  • Bumps or rashes leaking fluid.
  • Dark brown, purple, or grayish areas of skin.
  • Inflammation and pain.
  • Scratch marks.
  • Lighter or darker skin on affected areas after healing.

Depending on the patient’s age, atopic dermatitis may affect different parts of the body:9,10

Infants (under 2 years of age): face, cradle cap, neck and limb extensor areas.

School-age children: face and predominantly arm and leg flexor areas.

Adults: can be as extensive as in children or limited to the sides of the neck and the back of the hands and feet, with widespread skin involvement and associated comorbidities.

Causes of atopic dermatitis

Although the causes of atopic dermatitis are still unknown, researchers know that changes in the protective layer of the skin can cause it to lose moisture. This dryness may cause the skin to become itchy and sore .6,11

Changes in the skin barrier may be caused by:6

Problems with the immune system

Genetic factors

Environmental factors.

Atopic dermatitis can be triggered by a combination of things:11,12

  • Irritants.
  • Environmental factors or allergens.
  • Food allergies.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Certain materials worn next to the skin.
  • Skin infections.
  • Stress.
Triggers vary from person to person, so not all of these things may affect you. Identifying your personal triggers will help you manage your atopic dermatitis.12

AD vs. allergic reactions

AD and allergic reactions can cause similar-looking rashes. However, context should give you some hints about what you’re dealing with.13

Allergic reactions happen as a result of allergy exposure, whereas atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that may not have a clear trigger.13

Pay attention to your symptoms and see if you notice patterns. If the condition does not clear up on its own, then it’s important to see a healthcare professional. They can help you cope with your symptoms.13

Skin diversity

People of all skin colours, races and ethnicities can be affected by atopic dermatitis. However, some people have a higher risk of developing it depending on the skin, genetic and immunologic factors. Many skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, look and behave differently in different skin tones.14

References:

1. What is eczema? Boston Children´s Hospital. Available at: https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/eczema (last access: September 2025). 2. Eczema types: atopic dermatitis overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis (last access: September 2025). 3. Kolb L, et al. Atopic Dermatitis. StatPearls 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448071/ last access: September 2025). 4. Europe Atopic Dermatitis Market. Market Data Forecast. Available at: https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-atopic-dermatitis-treatment-market (last access: January 2026). 5. What Does A Dysregulated Immune System Mean For Atopic Dermatitis?. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/blog/research-on-immune-systems-and-atopic-dermatitis/ (last access: September 2025). 6. Atopic Dermatitis. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis (last access: September 2025). 7. Symptoms- Atopic eczema. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/symptoms/ (last access: September 2025). 8. Atopic Dermatitis. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/ (last access: September 2025). 9. Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/symptoms (last access: September 2025). 10. Atopic dermatitis. Vall d´Hebron Hospital Universitari. Available at: https://hospital.vallhebron.com/en/healthcare/diseases/atopic-dermatitis (last access: September 2025). 11. Causes- Atopic eczema. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/causes/ (last access: September 2025). 12. Eczema. Health Direct Australia. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eczema (last access: September 2025). 13. Eczema Vs. Allergic Reactions: What’s Causing Your Itchy Skin? Available at: https://www.emergencyhospitals.care/eczema-vs-allergic-reactions-whats-causing-your-itchy-skin/ (last access: January 2026). 14. Why racial diversity is important for atopic dermatitis clinical trials. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diversity-eczema-clinical-trials (last access: September 2025).

HQ-NOP-2400216 January 2026