Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
Phenotypic differences of atopic dermatitis stratified by age
Sheena Chatrath1, Jonathan I Silverberg1,2
1Department of Dermatology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia.
Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common across all ages. Understanding heterogeneous age-related phenotypes may improve AD management.
Objective:
To determine age-related clinical phenotypes of AD.
Methods:
A prospective, dermatology practice-based study was performed (n = 380). AD severity was evaluated using questionnaires and full-body examination. Phenotypes were determined using latent class analysis.
Results:
There were 23 (6.1%) pediatric patients (<18 years), 176 (46.3%) young adults (18-39 years), and 181 (47.6%) older adults (≥ 40 years). Both young and older adults experienced less AD on ankles (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.41 [0.19-0.90], 0.43 [0.20-0.94]), moderate-severe AD on flexures (0.47 [0.26-0.87], 0.30 [0.16-0.56]), pityriasis alba (0.24 [0.11-0.52], 0.07 [0.03-0.18]), oozing lesions (0.44 [0.25-0.79], 0.35 [0.20-0.63]), moderate-severe excoriations (0.49 [0.28-0.85], 0.44 [0.26-0.76]), and severe itch (adjusted β [95% confidence interval], -1.46 [-2.63 to -0.29]; -1.79 [-2.94 to -0.65]) compared with pediatric patients. Young adults experienced more AD around the eyes (2.92 [1.21-7.02]). Older adults experienced more AD on elbows (0.34 [0.19-0.64]), nipples (0.40 [0.16-0.99]), knees (0.27 [0.14-0.53]), keratosis pilaris (0.38 [0.15-0.98]), and lichenification (0.47 [0.22-0.98]). Four classes were identified for distribution of AD and associated signs.
Conclusion:
Distinct phenotypes exist by age with younger patients experiencing more AD signs and symptoms. Clinicians should consider them when managing AD.
Related Concept Videos
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Layers of the Epidermis
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Cells of the Epidermis
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

