Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

There is no test to diagnose atopic dermatitis (eczema). Instead, it's typically diagnosed based on an examination of your skin and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask about the frequency and severity of the inflammation and how long you've had the symptoms.

References
  1. Weston WL, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  2. Weston WL, et al. Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  3. Bieber T. Mechanisms of disease: Atopic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358:1483.
  4. Eczema/atopic dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/EczemaAtopicDermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  5. What is atopic dermatitis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/ffdermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  6. FDA public health advisory Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/elidel_protopic.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  7. Habif TP. Atopic dermatitis. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138783445-3/843851716/1195/22.html. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  8. Huang JT, et al. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity. Pediatrics. 2009;123:e808.
  9. Atopic dermatitis: Possible complications. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/complications.html. Accessed June 3, 2009
  10. German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
  11. Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
  12. Witch hazel. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
  13. Borage. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.

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Aug. 22, 2009

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