title: Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis.
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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Meagan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
authors.forename: Minnelly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Luu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004485:Eczema / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D011537:Pruritus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*
keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Differential diagnosis; Eczema; Mimickers