Atopic and Contact Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are among the most common dermatologic conditions encountered by the primary care clinician. Their presentation varies and can mimic infectious and other noninfectious conditions, making a thorough history essential, with particular emphasis on exposure to environmental and occupational irritants, as well as recognition of commonly affected sites. For all of these conditions, control of symptoms is often the goal of treatment, starting with general supportive care measures like frequent emollient use and often relying on topical steroidal and nonsteroidal agents as first-line therapies.