If scratched the bumps can weep then become crusty. In chronic cases the skin can then become thickened and even discolored. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose atopic dermatitis. One of the tests a doctor uses is to stroke an unaffected area of the skin by a tongue depressor. If the skin develops a white, raised wheal it means atopic dermatitis exists.
Family history plays a big part in the diagnostic process.
When there is no family history of allergies and the child does not have asthma or nasal allergies, then a blood test is preformed to measure the quantity of circulating IgE antibodies. Most atopic dermatitis patients have elevated IgE antibodies. Allergy skin tests are also used to identify the food or inhalant allergens that may be causing the allergic skin reactions. There is no known cure for atopic dermatitis but it can be controlled with proper treatment. The first step in treatment is to avoid the offending allergens or irritants that are known to trigger the onset of symptoms.