Atopic dermatitis

Alternative names:

atopic eczema; dermatitis - atopic; eczema; eczema - atopic; eczema - infantile; infantile eczema; neurodermatitis

Symptoms:

• intense itching
• blisters (vesicle formation) with oozing and crusting
• skin redness or inflammation around the blisters
• rash, in child under 2 years old
  • skin lesions begin on the cheeks in infants
  • may progress to the scalp, arms, trunk, and legs

• dry, leathery skin areas (lichenification)
  • more or less pigment than their normal skin tone (see skin, abnormally dark or light)
  • located commonly in the inner elbow or behind the knee
  • may spread to the neck, hands, feet, eyelids, or behind the knee

• raw areas (excoriation) of the skin--from scratching
• ear discharges/bleeding

Signs and tests:

Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and on personal and family history. The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always required to make the diagnosis.

This disease may also alter the results of an eosinophil count - absolute test.