B. Typical Morphology and Distribution

Children

Often the first skin changes are quite subtle, but the itching is usually evident. The first presentation of AD is one of mild patchy erythema and scaling over the infant's cheeks as well as the extensor surfaces of the legs. These lesions are poorly demarcated. As the disease progresses and spreads, large areas of the body become covered with dry, reddened skin.

In General

A favourite area for AD to present is behind the ears. Infra-auricular fissures are often seen in patients in whom the disease is more severe. The scalp may become dry and scaly as well, but this scaling is different from that seen in "cradle cap" (seborrheic dermatitis) in which the scale is large, yellow, and greasy.