Table 1 Diagnostic criteria for AD [18,19,20]

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^a

  • History of itching of the cheeks

  • History of atopic disease in a first-degree relative

  • Eczema of cheeks, forehead and outer limbs