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EczemaNet Article
Atopic Dermatitis:  Possible Complications

A number of complications can arise with atopic dermatitis. Some are relatively common; others extremely rare:

Anyone experiencing one of the complications described below should contact a dermatologist, or visit an emergency room if the condition becomes life-threatening. 

Hand Dermatitis
Hand dermatitis is frequently seen in people with a history of atopic dermatitis, especially adults. The condition often begins with dry, chapped hands that later become patchy, red, scaly, and inflamed. Some patients report a seasonal worsening of hand dermatitis, usually during the winter. Hand dermatitis is commonly aggravated by:

Treatment. This usually consists of:

Topical corticosteroids are frequently part of the treatment plan. Numerous corticosteroids of various types and strengths are available, and dermatologists prescribe these as needed to accommodate the individual patient’s needs. These medications are not suitable for every patient. It is extremely important that patients use these medications only as prescribed.

When one is not able to limit exposure to water and harsh soaps, detergents, disinfectants, or other irritant chemicals, hand dermatitis can become tremendously difficult to treat. This tends to happen when a job or occupation requires constant exposure to such irritants. Teens and others considering a possible job or occupation should take this into consideration. Choosing an occupation that does not involve repeated exposure will help minimize future risk.

Skin Infections
Recurrent bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections are a frequent complication of atopic dermatitis. It is believed that the lesions of atopic dermatitis provide an environment that allows bacteria, fungi, and viruses to easily invade the skin and replicate.      

Bacterial Infections. The lesions of atopic dermatitis provide an environment that can harbor several types of harmful bacteria. One most commonly found -  and the one most likely to produce recurrent and/or serious infections - is Staphylococcus aureus, (S. aureus), better known as "staph." Studies have shown that S. aureus is far more common on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis than on the skin of persons who do not have this condition. S. aureus may be harbored in atopic dermatitis skin lesions, on unaffected skin, or in the nose of the patient.

While the S. aureus organisms may be present without causing any apparent symptoms, a reservoir of S. aureus creates the potential for infection. The typical signs and symptoms of an infection are:

Treatment. Anti-staphylococcal drugs are usually effective in treating an acute S. aureus infection. If the infection occurs again and again, a reservoir of S. aureus may be present. If present, it is treated with an appropriate antibiotic.

Viral Infections. When herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores, enters an atopic dermatitis skin lesion, it can cause eczema herpeticum - a severe and potentially life-threatening infection. While not common, eczema herpeticum occurs in people of all ages and in males and females. Often those infected do not know that they have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus.

The first indication of infection occurs 5 to 12 days after exposure to the virus and typically appears as multiple itchy, watery blisters that occur on skin previously affected by atopic dermatitis. If these blisters are not treated, they can become progressively worse as illustrated by these stages:

  1. Multiple itchy, watery blisters over an area of skin, usually where atopic dermatitis lesions were present. (5 to 12 days after exposure)

  2. Blisters tend to disseminate or "crop" into adjacent areas of skin.

  3. Blisters may bleed, become encrusted, and erode - at this stage they are extremely painful.

  4. The viral infection spreads to cover the entire body, with associated fever and swollen lymph nodes. Secondary bacterial infection frequently develops in large, eroded areas of skin.

During all stages, fever is usually present and the person feels ill. The first episode of eczema herpeticum usually runs its course in 2 to 6 weeks if left untreated. However, letting the disease run its course is not recommended as eczema herpeticum can be life-threatening. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be milder, unless the patient has an underlying immunodeficiency condition.

Treatment. Since eczema herpeticum is potentially life-threatening, medical care should be sought. When therapy begins early, eczema herpeticum can be effectively treated. Several anti-viral medications are available, and a dermatologist can prescribe the one best suited for the individual. Pain medications also may be helpful.

Other viruses that may complicate atopic dermatitis include molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus. If a virus is suspected, a dermatologist may order diagnostic tests to determine which virus is involved so that proper therapy can be prescribed.

Eye Complications
Eye complications tend to be most common in patients with severe atopic dermatitis. When these complications occur, the associated eyelid itching can be almost unbearable. Some eye complications can lead to permanent eye damage and loss of vision. Signs and symptoms of eye complications include:

Treatment. These signs and symptoms should be reported to a dermatologist immediately, so that the condition can be diagnosed and treated. Sometimes complications affecting the eye require the help of an ophthalmologist.

Exfoliative Dermatitis
A rare complication of severe atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder. Lesions can cover most of the skin’s surface, and severe cases may be life threatening. Signs and symptoms include:

Treatment. Some cases of exfoliative dermatitis resolve spontaneously. However, medical treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent life-threatening complications from developing. Treatment may require hospitalization.

References:
Rystedt I. “Atopic background in patients with occupational hand eczema.” Contact Dermatitis 1985; 12:247-254.

Rystedt I. “Work-related hand eczema in atopics.” Contact dermatitis. 1985; 12:164-171.

Rystedt I, Strannegard IL, Strannegard O. “Recurrent viral infections in patients with past or present atopic dermatitis.” Br J Dermatol 1986; 114:575-582.

Abeck D, Mempel M. “Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis and its therapeutic implications.” Br J Dermatol 1998; 139:13-16.

Kolmer HL, Taketomi EA, Hazen KC et al. “Effect of combined antibacterial and antifungal treatment in severe atopic dermatitis.” J allergy Clin Immunol 1996; 98:702-707.

Taskapan MO, Kumar P. “Role of staphylococcal superantigens in atopic dermatitis: from colonization to inflammation.” Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000; 84:3-10.

Rich LF, Hanifin JM. “Ocular complications of atopic dermatitis and other eczemas.” Int Ophthalmol Clin 1985; 25:61-76.

Leung DYM, Soter NA. “Cellular and immunologic mechanisms in atopic dermatitis.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2001; 44:S1-S12.

Eedy DJ. “What’s new in atopic dermatitis?” Br J Dermatol 2001; 145:380-384.

Leung DYM, Tharp M, Boguniewicz M. “Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema).” In: Freedberg IM et al (eds.) Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1999:1464-1480.

An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of Dermatology.


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