Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis in the Emergency Department

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are common dermatologic conditions that may be encountered in the emergency department (ED). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an undulating course characterized by remissions and exacerbations. Patients may present to the ED because of chronic disease or acute flares that fail to respond to routine treatments or because of secondary infections. The article reviews the ED management of exacerbations of atopic dermatitis as well as various common skin infections associated with this disorder, including specifically Staphylococcus aureus and eczema herpeticum. Although contact dermatitis can be chronic, patients usually present with acute symptoms. The article discusses the diagnosis and ED management of common types of contact dermatitis, including allergic and irritant chronic dermatitis, photodermatitis, and contact urticaria.