When atopic dermatitis worsens, with a spreading eruption accompanied by erythema and a burning sensation, treatment often includes superpotent topical corticosteroids, systemic corticosteroids, or both topical and systemic immunosuppressive agents. Because of our past evaluations of patients with these symptoms,1 we believe that they do not reflect worsening eczema, but that the redness and burning sensation are due to continuous vasodilation, which often is accompanied by intercellular and extracellular edema. Since nitric oxide is synthesized by the endothelium of the vasculature and functions as a vasodilator,2 this might explain vasodilation and redness in corticosteroid-addicted patients.