- Atopic dermatitis
- see "Diagnosis" section
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- a common erythematous, scaling or
crusting eruption that occurs in areas with a high concentration of
sebacious glands, e.g., scalp, face, postauricular, presternal, and
interiginous areas. In infants it often occurs as the yellow, greasy
scale of "cradle cap." Seborrheic dermatitis has an early age of onset,
little pruritus, a lack of atopy, and is not linked to AD.
- Nummular eczema
- a condition related to dry skin, not atopy,
and IgE levels are normal. The lesions are discoid or coin-shaped,
eczematous, plaques made up of tiny vesicles and papules that enlarge to
become discrete, round, erythematous, lichenified, hyperpigmented
patches with a diameter of >1 cm. These usually affect the
extensor surfaces of the hands, arms, and legs, and there is little in
the way of itching.
- Stasis dermatitis
- an eczematous eruption found on the lower
leg. It is generally the result of venous insufficiency. The condition
can be acute, subacute, chronic, or recurrent, and can include
ulceration of the skin.
- Perioral dermatitis
- most often a disease of young women and
can resemble acne. It is accompanied by a burning feeling rather than
itching. The lesions are discrete, 1-3 mm. Erythematous papules,
papulovesicles, and/or papulopustules that affect the chin and
nasolabial folds in a symmetrical fashion, usually sparing the
vermillion border. The lesions become diffusely red and can be replaced
by erythematous scaling.
- Neurodermatitis
- also known as lichen simplex chronicus. It
consists of chronic, localized, pruritic eruptions that result from
repeated bouts of itching, scratching, and rubbing. It can occur
idiopathically or be secondary to another condition such as AD,
seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, or psoriasis.
It is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
The early findings include reddened slightly edematous skin with
exaggerated markings. Later in the course of the condition there are
well-circumscribed itchy areas of dry, thickened, scaly, hyper- or
hypopigmented skin. Generally, there is no associated atopy, the
lesions are not found in the flexural areas, and the history is
different from that found in AD.