Medical history

A detailed medical history is the most important and reliable tool for diagnosing atopic dermatitis. An allergist or dermatologist will ask a host of questions, focusing on when the rash appears, where it appears, and how often it does so. They also will ask about itching and other features that characterize the disease. Some questions will focus on possible triggers: foods or inhaled allergens, temperature changes, and other features of a person's home or work surroundings that may spark atopic flares.

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It is very useful before walking into the doctor's office for patients or parents to write down what they remember about all of these questions. That's because many people have difficulty dredging up the information on the spur of the moment in the doctor's office, and accurate answers are key to diagnosing the condition.