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1.

Medical History

Gathering your medical history is an integral part of diagnosing atopic dermatitis.

There are also environmental triggers for atopic dermatitis.

how to test for atopic dermatitis; patch test on back of a woman

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Visual Exam

A healthcare provider will carefully examine your skin if they think you could have atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis has a typical pattern, which varies by age group.

This includes:

3.

In some cases, they may order an allergy blood test, or theradioallergosorbent (RAST) test.

Atopic dermatitis is associated with other allergic conditions.

However, sometimes it is used to rule out other possible skin conditions.

Can You Test Yourself for Atopic Dermatitis?

You cannot test yourself for atopic dermatitis.

Dermatologistsare medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.

Allergists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating allergic conditions.

These tests include patch tests, blood tests, and skin biopsies.

National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.

2014;70(2):338-351. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.10.010

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.

Frazier W, Bhardwaj N.Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.afp.

2020;101(10):590-598.

PMID:32412211

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Patch testing can find what’s causing your rash.

2018;19(3):293-302. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0340-7

MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.

University of Michigan Health.Evaluation, testing and diagnosis for food allergies.

2020;34(6):e23214.

doi:10.1002/jcla.23214

American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is a skin biopsy?

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Feel better.

See an allergist / immunologist.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Skin allergy.