Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

Not very generalized, but may appear in various parts of the body.  Key clues:
  • dry itchy skin, often erythema with vesicles or scales
  • bilateral symmetry
  • flexor surfaces, esp. antecubital fossa, popliteal fossa, volar wrist, neck
  • cheeks in children
  • Onset in childhood
Main confounding conditions:

 

  • psoriasis (extensor surfaces, not so itchy)
  • contact derm (focal; not bilaterally symmetrical)
  • seborrheic dermatitis (eyebrows, forehead, bridge of nose)
  • photodermatitis (acute onset, sun-exposed areas only)