How do doctors diagnose atopic dermatitis in skin of color?

In the second part of our 5 part series in collaboration with the Allergy & Asthma Network  on atopic dermatitis in skin of color we are talking about diagnosis!

Dr. G and Kortney discuss all of the tests involved in diagnosing atopic dermatitis (AD) in people with skin color. They also cover all of the skin conditions that are ruled out when a doctor is making a diagnosis and the importance of patient history in diagnosis. 

What we cover in this episode:

• A quick overview of what AD looks like in skin of color

• Skin conditions that may look like atopic dermatitis and common misdiagnosis

• The symptoms doctors look for when diagnosing atopic dermatitis

• Explanations of the  tests doctors use to diagnose atopic dermatitis- IgE blood test, component blood test, skin prick test, patch testing,and  skin biopsy

• How to diagnose eczema in babies and the link to food allergies

• The other factors that doctors take into account when diagnosing AD - the importance of patient history

From Shiv:

• Shiv shares her experiences with being diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and her experiences with different doctors.

Helpful Links:

• Link to images of AD in skin of color: https://eczemainskinofcolor.org/image-library/

• “What is eczema” from Allergy & Asthma Network: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/

• More about Shiv: https://www.instagram.com/shivaika/