An 8-month-old infant presents with an erythematous, scaly, intensely pruritic eruption involving both cheeks, the forehead, and the extensor surfaces of the arms and legs, sparing the diaper area. The child has a family history of allergic rhinitis and asthma. What is the diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema)
- Step 1: Infantile atopic dermatitis characteristically affects the cheeks, forehead, and extensor surfaces of extremities while characteristically sparing the moist diaper area.
- Step 2: It represents the initial cutaneous manifestation of the 'atopic march' in genetically predisposed infants.
Answer
Atopic dermatitis (infantile eczema).
Why not the others: 'Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap)' features greasy yellowish scales on the scalp, forehead, and diaper area without intense pruritus; 'Scabies infestation' produces burrows and papules in web spaces, palms, soles, and axillae; 'Pityriasis rosea' presents with a herald patch and 'Christmas-tree' distribution on the trunk in older children.
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