6 Long-Term Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

6 Long-Term Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

Explore how atopic dermatitis affects various aspects of health and potential health complications the condition can lead to.

When you’re managing atopic dermatitis (AD), a type of eczema, you know how frustrating the condition can be. Symptoms can feel unbearable. But what you may not realize is that AD is also connected to other conditions, such as skin infections, eye issues, and more.

“The body is a whole functioning unit,” says Dawn Davis, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. So what happens in one system can affect another in your body.

Here, find out which conditions associated with AD can occur in the long term.

Why Atopic Dermatitis Affects the Entire Body

Atopic dermatitis can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of the two. And because AD impairs the functions of an essential protein (called filaggrin), the skin is unable to safeguard against outside invaders. “Healthy filaggrin ‘glues’ cells together to build a solid barrier, acting like mortar between bricks,” Dr. Davis says. Without this protection, your skin becomes dry, damaged, and particularly vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens, and other irritants, all of which can cause issues that go beyond the skin.

Research has found a link between AD and several other health issues, including skin infections, sleep deprivation, psychological problems, and conditions caused by abnormal immune system activity, such as asthma and food allergies. “We found that about 40 percent of people with AD developed rhinitis, an inflammatory nasal condition; 30 percent had suspected food allergies; and some had both,” says Davis, who was a lead author of the study.

The 6 Most Common Long-Term Complications of Atopic Dermatitis

If you’re living with AD, you should look out for these six complications:

1. Skin Infections

Fragile, damaged skin from atopic dermatitis can increase the risk of staph infections, including the very contagious impetigo, which causes inflamed skin and pus-filled bumps. There’s also an increased chance of developing an infection called eczema herpeticum, which is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can become severe. To stay on top of potential infections, Davis routinely samples and tests her patients’ atopic dermatitis lesions, treating them as needed. “A skin culture can quickly identify the infection source and point to a particular antiseptic or antimicrobial to suppress it,” she says.

2. Asthma and Allergies

About 25 percent of those with AD also have asthma, which constricts and inflames airways, making it difficult to breathe. Atopic dermatitis also increases the possibility of developing food allergies: Children with the condition are six times as likely to develop one than those without the condition. Your doctor should ask about your lung health and allergies and, if needed, refer you to a pulmonologist or allergist.

3. Eye Problems

If atopic dermatitis makes your eyes itchy, causing you to rub them frequently, you may get pink eye (conjunctivitis) or keratoconus, a condition in which the shape of the cornea changes. Both conditions require immediate care by an ophthalmologist. If you experience vision loss, double vision, or crusty, red eyes, call your doctor immediately.

4. Mental Health Issues

Managing the symptoms and lifestyle implications of AD, such as avoiding certain activities or having lower self-esteem, can take a toll on your mental health and lead to anxiety and depression.

If you’re embarrassed by your inflamed, patchy skin, you may feel like isolating yourself, which can make depression worse. Some people turn to alcohol, nicotine, drugs, or other compulsive behaviors to cope, which can lead to a substance use disorder. Dermatologists often recommend developing healthy coping skills via psychological counseling, support groups, meditation, and relaxation training for people living with AD.

5. Sleep Problems

Intense itchiness makes falling and staying asleep challenging. And frequently being sleep deprived can potentially damage your job performance, personal relationships, and mental stability.

The key to better sleep is getting the itch under control. To do this, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments, systemic AD medications, or sleep medications. You may also find it helpful to see a therapist or sleep specialist.

6. Cardiovascular Problems

Research has found an increased risk of cardiovascular complications among adults with atopic dermatitis, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly among people with severe illness. The study’s authors noted that, in addition to DVT, they found small increases in the risks of cerebrovascular accidents, diabetes, and cholesterol imbalances among adults with AD. Adults with severe AD also had higher risks of heart attack and pulmonary embolism.

“That’s because AD inflammation circulates everywhere, including to the heart and blood vessels,” Davis says. For people with AD, standard heart screenings are common and could help you keep an eye on things.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Because eczema can cause other health issues, it’s critical to track your symptoms and share them with your doctor. “Record when and how often you have flare-ups, how severe the itching is, and any other medical problems you have,” says Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, a professor of dermatology and the director of clinical research at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor with questions or requests for more help. “The biggest AD issue we face is therapeutic inertia, in which people stay at whatever level of discomfort they are at and don’t seek improvement because they don’t know what else is out there,” says Dr. Silverberg.

The Takeaway

• Atopic dermatitis is associated with other long-term health issues.

• These complications include skin infections, asthma, allergies, eye problems, sleep issues, heart concerns, and mental health challenges.

• Tracking your symptoms and discussing any changes with your doctor can help keep your health in check.

EDITORIAL SOURCES

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Resources

1. Chong AC et al. Genetic/Environmental Contributions and Immune Dysregulation in Children With Atopic Dermatitis. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. November 23, 2022.

5. Mick A et al. Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Nexus Between Atopic Dermatitis and Addictive Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Risk Factors. Archives of Dermatological Research. March 14, 2024.

7. Sleep, Fatigue, and the Workplace. NHS Employers. February 27, 2026.

8. Abdel-Mageed HM. Atopic Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Updated Review of This Intriguing Disease With Futuristic Insights. Inflammopharmacology. March 2025.

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