Pustules on the arm of African American male patient with infected atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin reaction that occurs without any obvious external cause. Broken skin caused by the dermatitis, or by scratching, increases the risk of bacterial infection. Atopic dermatitis can be treated with soothing ointments and corticosteroid drugs. Infection is treated with antibiotics.