ABSTRACT
Atopic eczema, frequently referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by an itchy red rash that most commonly occurs in persons with a family history of allergic diseases, such as rhinitis, asthma, or conjunctivitis. The disorder occurs in infants, children, and adults, with an onset usually before 5 years of age. The prevalence is high in children (10% or greater in the 1990s). The cumulative incidence is 10 to 15% in children up to 14 years of age, and the incidence is increasing. Heredity plays a role, with a possible genetic defect in some bonemarrow-derived cells.
