Skin

Question 1

Describe the distribution of atopic dermatitis.

Answer 1

A rash, often linear, found on the cheeks, trunk, knees and elbows in younger children. Young children less than 2 years have a larger area of distribution. Older children and adults have the rash in the flexural folds (antecubital and popliteal spaces) and hands, neck.

The classic rash starts as multiple small vesicles that rupture, leaving painful, bright red, weepy lesions. They are extremely pruritic and may become lichenified from chronic scratching. They are often linear.

C-129, 550.