Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis

When diagnosing atopic dermatitis, a doctor considers a patient's symptoms and the appearance of the rash. The steps involved with making a diagnosis include a physical examination, medical history, and skin and allergy tests. After diagnosing atopic dermatitis, you and your doctor will discuss a treatment plan that is best for you and your particular needs.

Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis: An Introduction

There is no test that is available to diagnose atopic dermatitis. In order to make an atopic dermatitis diagnosis, doctors will:
 
  • Examine your rash
  • Gather your complete medical history
  • Perform skin tests
  • Perform allergy tests.
 
This will enable your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

 

Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis Based on the Rash

The appearance of the rash will depend on the severity and the location. The rash may be:
 
  • Red
  • Have bumps
  • Have lesions from being scratched
  • Have lines from inflammation.
 
The diagnosis of the rash can range from mild to severe.
  
After a diagnosis has been made, you and your doctor can develop treatment plan that is best for you.

(Click Atopic Dermatitis Treatment for more information.)
 

Add
Email
Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles