misdiagnosis of atopic dermatitis in 18 month old?

[plumpotter71]

My 18 month old developed a rash about two weeks ago that began as separate bumps that turned into a more sandpapery raised rash that started on the outside middle of his leg and now seems to be spreading as far down as his heel, as far up as his hip.  I brought him to the doctor who quickly diagnosed it a s atopic dermatitis, gave me hydracortisone valerate and sent me on my way. He was busy.  
Driving away I realized that he didn't answer some of questions.  This rash doesn't seem to itch my son at all. He doesnt even know its there.  It also doesn't appear to be dry at all. Is that possible?  Also, it seems to be spreading up and down the leg and also a wee bit onto the inside of the other leg (not under the knee but the side of the leg)
Reading about this condition, it seems the only thing that made it seem like atopic dermatitis is the location (near the Knee) and his age.
I also can't find many pictures on line that look like it except maybe heat rash...in one picture it looked like a roseola rash but its obviously not these as its lasting and spreading.
My question is, can atopic dermatis be of the non-itchy, not dry, spreading asymmetrically variety?  In this case is hydracortisone valerate (for itching and inflamation) the appropriate medication?
Is this type of rash more typical of something else? Food allergy? virus?
anyone out there have a similar experience?

[plumpotter71]

I am not sure that you read my question thoroughly.  It does NOT itch. It is NOT scaly, just bumps everywhere over thickened skin.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis.Eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Long-term irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and an have a leather-like texture.
Treatment may vary depending on the appearance (stage) of the lesions -- acute "weeping" lesions, dry scaly lesions, or chronic dry, thickened lesions are each treated differently.
Avoid anything that makes the symptoms worse. This may include food allergens and irritants such as wool and lanolin.
Dry skin often makes the condition worse. When washing or bathing, keep water contact as brief as possible and use less soap than usual. After bathing, it is important to trap the moisture in the skin by applying lubricating cream on the skin while it is damp. Temperature changes and stress may cause sweating and aggravate the condition.
Mild anti-itch lotions or topical corticosteroids (low potency) may soothe less severe or healing areas, or dry scaly lesions.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/adam1000853
This is a skin allergy andpresent as dry, itchy rash.I think the diagnosis is on the rifgt track and so is the treatment.

[willy851]

Well I can tell you that the doctors simply don't know or care, as you experienced. I have had this skin problem for over a year. I was told it was eczema but like your son it didn't itch. It wasn't dry and you couldn't see anything. The only symptom was pain, stinging pain. The pain wasn't constant and would come and go throughout the day. I tried to use the prescriptions but they had no effect or made it worse. I finally went to a university hospital who confirmed that it wasn't eczema.
At this point We are proceeding as if it's stress related and caused by my body somehow. It never happens at night or on weekends. But if I think about how bad it hurts, I feel it.
I believe over ninety percent of doctors aren't qualified to diagnose a splinter. They are only concerned with making money and getting the next patient in your seat.
How many commercials do you see about eczema, or products that actually work. You see a commercial about herpes every hour.