Atopic Dermatitis vs. Contact Dermatitis: What’s the Difference?

Itchy, red or inflamed skin can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Where does it come from? Two of the most common skin conditions that cause these symptoms are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Knowing the difference between the two can help in diagnosis and treatment.

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic skin condition that usually starts as a child. Think about having a super sensitive alarm system in your skin – it creates symptoms for things that wouldn’t normally bother other people.

If you’ve never heard of this, you won’t recognize the signs. These are typical symptoms and signs to pay attention to:

  • Intense itching that keeps you up at night
  • Red, brown or gray patches on your skin
  • Small, raised bumps that might leak fluid and crust over when you scratch them
  • Thick, cracked or scaly skin
  • Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from excessive scratching

Atopic dermatitis commonly shows up on the face, hands, feet and creases of your elbows or knees. These are the places it seems to like the most.

What Causes Atopic Dermatitis?

While the exact cause isn’t known, researchers believe it’s a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. If you have a family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma or hay fever, you may be susceptible to developing this condition.

Other things can also trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups. These include:

  • Dry skin
  • Stress
  • Harsh soaps or detergents)
  • Allergens (like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen)
  • Climate changes (especially dry or cold weather)

Getting tested helps in identifying your triggers so you’ll know what to avoid while keeping your symptoms under control.

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis happens when your skin touches something it doesn’t like. Think of your skin saying “no thank you” to certain things.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

  1. Irritant contact dermatitis: This happens when something directly damages your skin. It could be anything from harsh soaps and detergents to chemicals. In some cases, excessive hand-washing can also cause this issue.
  2. Allergic contact dermatitis: This happens when your immune system overreacts to specific substances, like nickel in jewelry or certain ingredients in skincare products. It’s like your skin is having an allergic reaction, but instead of sneezing, you get a skin rash.

Contact dermatitis symptoms often include:

  • Redness and swelling
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Blisters that may ooze and crust over
  • Dry, cracked or scaly skin

What Causes Contact Dermatitis?

The operative word in contact dermatitis is “contact”, meaning it usually shows up on the areas of your skin that were directly touched by the irritant or allergen.

Some common items that cause contact dermatitis include:

  • Nickel (often found in jewelry and belt buckles)
  • Fragrances and preservatives in skincare and cosmetics
  • Latex (in gloves and other items)
  • Poison ivy and other plants
  • Cleaning products

If you keep having flare-ups or breakouts, you may have contact dermatitis. Once you are diagnosed, you’ll be able to figure out a good treatment for relief.

The Difference Between Atopic and Contact Dermatitis

The key difference between atopic eczema vs. contact dermatitis is in their causes. Atopic dermatitis is usually hereditary and linked to other allergic conditions, while contact dermatitis is caused by external irritants or allergens.

Another major difference is that atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that usually starts in childhood. It comes and goes throughout life. Contact dermatitis can happen at any age and usually clears up once the irritant or allergen is removed.

Atopic Dermatitis Treatment: Soothing the Itch

There are effective ways to manage both conditions. If you’re dealing with atopic dermatitis, the goal is to calm the skin and reduce inflammation. Here are some atopic dermatitis treatment options:

  • Moisturizers: Hydrated skin is important. Use thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments.
  • Topical corticosteroids: These prescription creams can help reduce inflammation and itching.
  • Oral medications: Your dermatology provider may prescribe oral corticosteroids or other medications to control the inflammation based on the seriousness of your condition.
  • Light therapy: Exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light can help reduce symptoms.
  • Stress management: Since stress can trigger flare-ups, finding ways to relax and manage stress (like meditation or yoga) can be helpful.

Using mild soaps and detergents, wearing soft, breathable clothing, and watching the climate can also help.

Contact Dermatitis Treatment: Protecting the Skin

The best way to deal with contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid what triggers your symptoms. Here are some tips:

  • Carefully read all labels and stay away from products that are known to affect you.
  • Wear protective gloves when handling chemicals or irritants.
  • Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare and household products.
  • Get an allergy or patch test from your dermatology provider to identify your condition.
  • Wash any affected areas with mild soap and cool water as soon as possible if you come in contact with any irritants or allergens that are known to affect you.

Although there are distinct differences in atopic dermatitis vs. contact dermatitis, in both cases, working with an atopic dermatitis specialist or a dermatology provider experienced in treating contact dermatitis can help you find the best management plan for your skin.

Dermatitis Treatment at Schweiger Dermatology and Allergy

At Schweiger Dermatology and Allergy, we create personalized treatment plans to help you manage your atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis symptoms. Book online or call 844-DERM-DOC to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We’ll work with you to find the root cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you and your skin.

Originally posted 1/9/2024. Updated on 12/18/2024.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

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