Scratching damages the skin, worsens inflammation, irritates surface nerves, and leads to more intense itching that may lead to secondary infection. Some rashes completely disappear without any treatment if you just stop scratching. There are no laboratory tests that establish a definitive diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. An itching rash, along with a family history of allergies, may provide the examining physician with sufficient information to suggest a diagnosis of the condition. There are no cures for atopic dermatitis.
Many babies improve before two years of age.
For most children, the condition tends to go away by the teen-age years, but the dry skin associated with the disease may likely remain. Occasionally, the condition may flare up in later years during times of stress or exposure to irritants. Most often, atopic dermatitis is too severe for self-care. Prescription medications, such as steroid creams, may be prescribed to help control the condition. Certain techniques may also offer relief.