Differentiating rashes caused by atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis is important not only for treating your rash but for preventing future rashes as well. In this blog, we’ll discuss dermatitis in general, and then we’ll break down atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis. Read on to learn more!
What is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a term used for skin conditions that cause your skin to become inflamed. While dermatitis is often uncomfortable, it does not cause serious harm and is not contagious.
There are different types of dermatitis, with atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis being two of the most common types. Because there are so many different types of dermatitis, the causes of dermatitis also vary.
If you’re experiencing any form of dermatitis, consulting with a dermatologist can help identify the type of dermatitis you’re experiencing and provide effective treatments to relieve your symptoms.
Atopic Dermatitis vs Contact Dermatitis: A Quick Overview
Both atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis cause itching, redness, and inflammation, but atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis causes differ—atopic dermatitis is internal and genetic, while contact dermatitis is external and triggered by specific substances. Treatment for both often includes moisturizers, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a skin condition that affects up to 25% of children and 3% of adults. Atopic dermatitis in children typically first appears between the ages of three and six months, but it can flare up throughout adulthood. Proper treatment and medication can help manage atopic dermatitis, and as you age, flare ups often improve, becoming less frequent.
Atopic dermatitis leads to a rash that is itchy and scaly. This rash can become bumpy or change colors based on your skin tone. Other symptoms to look for are itching, redness, swelling, and thickened skin. These symptoms can occur on any part of the body, but infants are more likely to have the face, neck, elbows, knees, or scalp affected, while children and adults are often affected around the mouth, the neck, wrists, ankles, and hands.
Early diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis can significantly minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis can be caused by a compromised immune system or an immune system that is not fully formed. It can also be caused by a genetic variation that makes it harder for your skin to protect itself from bacteria, allergens, and irritants. If you have a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies, you are more likely to develop eczema in your lifetime.
External factors, such as the weather or harsh soaps and detergents, can also lead to flare ups. Identifying the causes of your atopic dermatitis allows you to take proactive steps to protect your skin and minimize symptoms and flare ups.
Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious and does not cause serious harm, but excessive scratching because of atopic dermatitis can lead to a lower quality of life, as well as scarring. Because of this, you may seek out different types of atopic dermatitis treatment.
When you decide to contact your dermatologist to treat atopic dermatitis, they will first discuss your family history and examine your skin. A skin biopsy may be performed to verify an atopic dermatitis diagnosis. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your dermatologist will work with you to combine at-home remedies with professional treatments to manage your atopic dermatitis.
At-home remedies may include keeping your skin moisturized throughout the day, using warm water (rather than hot water) when bathing, using a humidifier, and using gentle or mild skin care products and detergents. Dermatologic treatments may include prescription creams or short term oral steroids to manage itching, reduce redness, and help repair your skin barrier.
Although atopic dermatitis can flare up, it is manageable with the proper care. If you’re struggling with eczema, consider consulting a dermatologist to develop a personalized care plan.
What is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is when your skin becomes inflamed because of direct contact with an allergen. It’s a common skin condition that affects up to 20% of people. Contact dermatitis isn’t contagious, but it can be really uncomfortable, especially if left untreated. If left untreated, contact dermatitis can cause the skin to turn leathery or can lead to red welts. These welts can easily begin to bleed, ooze, drain, or become infected if scratched.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include an itchy rash, leathery patches of skin, bumps, blisters, swelling, burning, tenderness, and dry, cracked skin. While contact dermatitis can be treated at home, seek medical care if the rash is severe, it doesn’t get better within three weeks, or it involves your eyes, mouth, or face.
What Causes Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis develops when you’ve been exposed to an allergen or irritant. While the cause could be anything, common irritants include latex, harsh detergents and soaps, plants, nickel, and medications. When contact dermatitis causes skin rashes in children, it can be because of diapers, baby wipes, or rough textured clothing. If the rash is due to contact with an allergen, it will begin to form immediately after contact. Pinpointing the irritant or allergen responsible for your contact dermatitis is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Treatment for Contact Dermatitis
When comparing atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis treatment, many of the treatment options are the same. Once you’ve identified what caused your contact dermatitis, you’ll want to avoid it as much as you can. At-home remedies used to treat contact dermatitis include antihistamine creams and oral antihistamines. You can also apply a cool compress to the affected area to help soothe the rash. You should seek care from a dermatologist if the itching or other symptoms are severe, your symptoms don’t improve within three weeks, or there are signs of infection.
While atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis have distinct causes, they share common symptoms and treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for both, and working with our expert adult and pediatric dermatologists will help you address symptoms and avoid future flare-ups. You can reach us at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.
