Test Your Knowledge

There are many skin and eye conditions that are closely related to atopic dermatitis. Those who suffer from the condition need to be on guard for these associated disorders. Some can damage vision while others can be life-threatening.

An atopic dermatitis rash infected with the herpes simplex virus (which also causes cold sores and genital herpes) can lead to a condition known as eczema herpeticum. During this infection, the rash may blister, bleed and crust. A high fever is also typically associated with eczema herpeticum, which requires immediate medical attention. 

Occasionally, atopic dermatitis will cause pronounced symptoms in the skin and tissue around the eyes. These symptoms include:

• Inflammation of the insides of eyelids (blepharitis). Redness, irritation and scaly skin may appear on the edges of the eyelids. The scales may be dry or greasy, and eyelashes sometimes drop out. Severe cases of this condition can scar the cornea, damaging vision.
  
  
• Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva (atopic keratoconjunctivitis). The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Symptoms are itching, burning, tearing and mucus discharge.
  
  
• Dermatitis of the eyelid. Symptoms include dryness and itching on the inside and outside of the eyelid.
  
  
• Deformity of the cornea (keratoconus). This results from continual rubbing of the eyelid.
  
  
• Cloudy area in the lens of the eye (cataract). Atopic dermatitis may cause cataracts in some patients in their 20s and 30s. The reason for this is unknown.

Individuals diagnosed with atopic dermatitis who receive a smallpox vaccination have a high risk of developing a severe rash known as eczema vaccinatum. The condition can also develop from touching another person’s smallpox vaccination mark before the scab has fallen off. Eczema vaccinatum can cause death in rare cases, though most people afflicted with it do recover.

Some who outgrow childhood atopic dermatitis will develop irritant dermatitis as adults. This is a tendency to develop rashes from exposure to dishwashing detergents, certain chemicals and other potential irritants.