Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

Meagan Barrett; Minnelly Luu

doi:10.1016/j.iac.2016.08.009

Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2017 Feb;37(1):11-34. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2016.08.009.

Authors

Meagan Barrett¹, Minnelly Luu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1200 North State Street, Clinic Tower A7D, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Electronic address: meagan.barrett@med.usc.edu.
² Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.

PMID: 27886900
DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2016.08.009

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory condition of the skin that is usually seen in childhood, but can onset or persist into adulthood. The characteristic distribution and morphology based on age, chronic relapsing course, and pruritus comprise the clinical criteria used in the diagnosis of AD. However, the numerous morphologies ranging from acute, weeping erythematous papules to chronic lichenified plaques, can be simulated by multiple other conditions, including inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and photo-dermatoses. Recognition of the distinguishing features and clinical mimickers of atopic dermatitis is vital for an accurate and timely diagnosis, and initiation of proper treatment regimens.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Differential diagnosis; Eczema; Mimickers.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Child
Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis*
Diagnosis, Differential
Eczema / diagnosis*
Humans
Phenotype
Pruritus / diagnosis*
Psoriasis / diagnosis*
Skin / immunology*