Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis

Authors

Jonathan I. Silverberg, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Journal

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Volume

7

Issue

1

DOI

10.1016/j.jaip.2018.09.029

Keywords

Adult onset; Asthma; Atopic dermatitis; Eczema; Hay fever; Recurrent

Abstract

© 2019 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology One in 4 adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) report adult-onset disease. Adult-onset AD appears to be associated with a different disease phenotype compared with childhood-onset AD. A broad differential diagnosis must be considered in a patient presenting with an adult-onset eczematous eruption, including allergic contact dermatitis, mycosis fungoides/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, scabies, and so forth. This review will specifically address the diagnosis, workup, and management of adult-onset AD. In adults presenting a new-onset chronic eczematous eruption, consideration should be given to a diagnosis of adult-onset AD. Patch testing should be performed to rule out allergic contact dermatitis. A biopsy may be obtained to exclude alternative diagnoses, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and psoriasis.

APA Citation

Silverberg, J. (2019). Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 7 (1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2018.09.029