Common Conditions in the Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis
| Condition | Morphology | Distribution | Pertinent Signs/Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atopic dermatitis | Acute to chronic dermatitic lesions | Infant: face, head and neck, extensor surfaces Child: flexural folds with the wrist, ankles, hands, feet, and antecubital/popliteal fossae Adult: flexural surface; many area-specific subtypes | Pruritus; personal or family history of atopy |
| Irritant contact dermatitis | Acute to chronic eczematous lesion | Confined to area of exposure | Burning/itch |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Acute to chronic eczematous lesion | Initial confinement to area of exposure but likely to spread | |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Ill-defined areas of erythema with greasy scale | Nose, nasolabial folds, eyebrows, glabella, scalp Children: cradle-cap and diaper area often affected | Children: self-resolving within 2 weeks |
| Psoriasis | Bright beefy-red, well-circumscribed plaques with silvery micaceous scale | Broad distribution with extensor surface involvement Children: diaper area often affected | Nail changes (including pitting; family history of psoriasis) |
| Scabies | Contiguous burrows of serpiginous tracks with secondary eczematous changes | Children: palms, soles, dorsal feet, genitalia, diaper area Adults: interdigital space, wrist, axillae, waist, umbilicus, nipples, genitals, breasts | Severe pruritus, worse at night; excoriated papules in multiple areas |