Diagnosis is generally based on signs/symptoms and medical history. Eczema is chronic, so it can take a while to be sure that the lesions are due to eczema rather than a more acute phenomenon like an infection, an acute or transient allergic reaction, or exposure to harmful chemicals. A history or family history of asthma, hay fever, and dry skin also makes eczema more likely. To determine the severity of atopic dermatitis and track treatment progress, researchers and doctors objectively measure several characteristics of the lesions with scoring systems such as EASI and SCORAD.[1]
How is eczema diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Eczema is diagnosed primarily through signs, symptoms, and medical history, together with consideration of chronicity to differentiate it from other conditions. A family history of related conditions and the use of scoring systems like EASI and SCORAD help to assess severity and monitor treatment progress.