Atopic Dermatitis
When To Call a Doctor
Call your health professional if you or your child has atopic dermatitis and:
- Itching makes you or your child irritable or inconsolable.
- Itching is interfering with daily activities or with sleep.
- There are crusting or oozing sores, severe scratch marks, widespread rash, severe discoloration of the skin, or a fever that is accompanied by a rash.
- Painful cracks develop on the hands or fingers.
- Atopic dermatitis on the hands interferes with daily school, work, or home activities.
- Signs of bacterial infection develop. These include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the area.
- A discharge of pus.
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°C) or higher with no other cause.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment.
- For minor rashes, watchful waiting and home treatment are often sufficient. If home treatment clears up the rash, mention it to your health professional at your next visit.
- If home treatment does not clear up the rash, see your health professional. He or she can suggest other treatments or prescribe a stronger medication.
Who To See
Your family doctor, general practitioner, or pediatrician can diagnose and treat atopic dermatitis. You may be referred to a dermatologist.
If food or other allergies are suspected to be a factor in atopic dermatitis, you may be referred to an allergist (immunologist) for specialized evaluation. For more information, see the topic Food Allergies.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: July 26, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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