What is the Difference Between Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are two common types of eczema that share similar symptoms but have different causes. Here are the main differences between the two:

Atopic Dermatitis:

Inherited condition
More likely to run in families
Typically appears on both sides of the body, such as both legs
Characterized by dry, itchy skin, rashes that ooze or weep fluid, bleeding patches (when scratched), skin infections, lichenification (hardening and thickening of the skin), and discolored skin

Contact Dermatitis:

Occurs following exposure to an irritant or allergen
Does not run in families
Rash usually appears on the area of the skin where it touched the substance
May develop small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) or weeping plaques (broad, raised areas of inflammation)
Can be triggered by irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
ICD develops when the skin is exposed to irritating substances, such as soap, nickel-containing jewelry, detergents, makeup, hair dye, or overwashing hands with hot water and soap
ACD develops 1-2 days after the skin is exposed to allergens, such as poison ivy, topical antibiotics, or fragrances

Proper diagnosis is important to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate treatment to help manage or prevent symptoms. If you suspect you have either atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, it is recommended to consult a doctor for diagnosis and prescribed treatments.

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What is the Difference Between Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis?

Comparative Table: Atopic Dermatitis vs Contact Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are both common types of eczema, but they have different causes and triggers. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two conditions:

Feature	Atopic Dermatitis	Contact Dermatitis
Cause	Internal skin condition, often inherited, and can come and go over months or years	External factors, such as exposure to irritants or allergens
Types	Runs in families	Doesn't run in families
Symptoms	Itchy skin, rashes, oozing or weeping fluid, bleeding patches, skin infections, lichenification, dry and discolored skin	Itchy skin, blisters, rashes
Flare-ups	Occur randomly and may last for short periods of time or years	Occur after contact with an irritant or allergen and last for a few weeks
Location of Rashes	Usually appear on many parts of the body, such as legs and face simultaneously or on both sides of the body	Rashes usually appear only on the part of the body that touched the irritant or allergen
Types of Contact Dermatitis	- Irritant contact dermatitis: develops when skin is exposed to irritating substances, such as soap, detergents, makeup, hair dye, or overwashing hands with hot water and soap
	- Allergic contact dermatitis: develops 1-2 days after skin is exposed to allergens, such as poison ivy, topical antibiotics, or fragrances

Proper diagnosis is essential to ensure individuals receive the appropriate treatment to help manage their symptoms. If you suspect you have either atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.