What is atopic dermatitis?

Also known as: dermatitis, eczema.

Atopic dermatitis (often called eczema) is a relapsing, often chronic skin condition that frequently presents in approximately 10% of children in the first 6 months to 5 years of life characterized by mild to severe, itchiness, redness, skin thickening, dry skin and flaking. Boys and girls, and children of all races are equally affected. It's appearance can vary depending on the age of the infant/child.

---

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM