What does it mean for my dermatitis to be "atopic?"

Atopy (see below): Asthma, eczema, & allergies are "atopic" diseases. "atopy" is an inherited tendency for developing any of these diseases. That being said... If you already have one of these diseases or have a close blood-relative who does, you have a higher risk (than those who don't) of getting any atopic disease. Note: an increased risk does not mean you actually will get any or all of these diseases.

Atopy: Atopy means the predisposition to develop allergic conditions. Atopic dermatitis is better known as eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition due, more often than not, to allergic irritants.