Learn about atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, allergic, non-contagious skin disorder that causes itchy, scaly, flaky skin. 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

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 tissue.

This deeper scientific understanding of the immune system’s role in atopic dermatitis has revolutionized treatment. Understanding the immune players in atopic dermatitis and how they differ from other immune diseases has helped dial in 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 it experience this symptom every day.8

When the 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.

• 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 just as extensive as in children or be limited to the sides of the neck and back of the hands and feet.

Causes of atopic dermatitis

Although atopic dermatitis causes 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 sore6,11.

Changes in the skin barrier may be caused by:6

Problems with 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 conditions, including atopic dermatitis, look and behave differently in different skin tones.14

Abbreviations:

NICE: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence; SOC: skin of color.

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. Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis 2022. Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA). Available at: https://www.eczemacouncil.org/assets/docs/global-report-on-atopic-dermatitis-2022.pdf (last access: September 2025). 5. What Does A Dysregulated Immune System Mean For Atopic Dermatitis?. National Eczema Association. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/blog/research-on-immune-system-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. Ezcema vs. allergic reaction: how to tell which is which. Available at: https://www.langfordallergy.com/eczema-vs-allergic-reaction-how-to-tell-which-is-which/?post_type=blog_post (last access: September 2025). 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 November 2025