Is atopic dermatitis contagious?
No. Atopic dermatitis itself is definitely not contagious and it cannot be passed from one person to another through skin contact. There is generally no cause for concern in being around someone with even an active case of atopic dermatitis, unless they have active skin infections. Some patients with atopic dermatitis get secondary infections of their skin with Staphylococcus “staph,” other bacteria, herpes virus (cold sores), and less commonly yeasts and other fungal infections. These infections may be contagious through skin contact. What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis? Although symptoms may vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are dry, itchy, red skin. Itch is the grand hallmark of the disease. Typical affected skin areas include the folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face, and hands. Less commonly there may be cracks behind the ears, and various other rashes on any part of the body. The itchy feeling is an important factor in atopic dermatitis,
