Adult-Onset Atopic Dermatitis

One in 4 adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) report adult-onset disease. Adult-onset AD appears to be associated with a different disease phenotype compared with childhood-onset AD. A broad differential diagnosis must be considered in a patient presenting with an adult-onset eczematous eruption, including allergic contact dermatitis, mycosis fungoides/cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, scabies, and so forth. This review will specifically address the diagnosis, workup, and management of adult-onset AD. In adults presenting a new-onset chronic eczematous eruption, consideration should be given to a diagnosis of adult-onset AD. Patch testing should be performed to rule out allergic contact dermatitis. A biopsy may be obtained to exclude alternative diagnoses, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and psoriasis.