Box 1.

Diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis (eczema)1

In order to qualify as a case of atopic dermatitis with the UK diagnostic criteria, the child must have:

  • an itchy skin condition (or parental report of scratching or rubbing in a child)

plus three or more of the following:

  • onset below the age of 2 years (not used if child is under 4 years old)

  • history of skin crease involvement (including cheeks in children under 10 years old)

  • history of a generally dry skin

  • personal history of other atopic disease (or history of any atopic disease in a first-degree relative in children under 4 years old)

  • visible flexural dermatitis (or dermatitis of cheeks/forehead and outer limbs in children under 4 years old).