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Table 1 Diagnostic criteria for AD. [11–13]

From: Atopic dermatitis

Major criteria:

Patient must have:

• An itchy skin condition (or parental/caregiver report of scratching or rubbing in a child)

Minor criteria:

Plus three or more of the following minor criteria:

Older children/adults:

• History of itchiness in skin creases (e.g., folds of elbows, behind the knees, front of ankles, around the neck)

• Personal history of asthma or allergic rhinitis

• Personal history of general dry skin in the last year

• Visible flexural dermatitis (i.e., in the bends or folds of the skin at the elbow, knees, wrists, etc.)

• Onset under age 2 years

Children <4 years:*

• History of itching of the cheeks

• History of atopic disease in a first-degree relative

• Eczema of cheeks, forehead and outer limbs

  1. * Early onset not always diagnostic in children under 4 years of age.