[Atopic eczema and clinical differential diagnoses in children]

Kristian Lykke Lorentzen1, Charlotte Gotthard Mørtz1

  • 1Hudafdeling I og Allergicentret, Odense Universitetshospital.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|March 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric atopic dermatitis is common, but many conditions can mimic it. This review details important differential diagnoses for accurate identification in children.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent skin condition in children.
  • Diagnosis is often clinical, but mimics can complicate assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and relevant differential diagnoses for pediatric atopic dermatitis.
  • To aid clinicians in distinguishing atopic dermatitis from other conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of differential diagnoses for pediatric atopic dermatitis.
  • Synthesis of current diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.

Main Results:

  • Identified a range of benign and malignant conditions mimicking atopic dermatitis.
  • Highlighted key features to differentiate these conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis of pediatric atopic dermatitis requires awareness of its mimics.
  • Timely differentiation is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.3K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.1K
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
4
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.8K
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
1
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.6K