Mysteries of Atopic Dermatitis A Self-Assessment Quiz

One of the most common skin conditions that patients present with is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, a dermatitis of unknown etiology, is commonly characterized by itching and scratching. Atopic dermatitis has many hereditary, allergic and physiological elements. The following cases are examples of common problems seen at Dermatology Healthcare in Tampa, FL. Have fun going through the cases and trying to come up with the correct diagnoses! True or False Quiz CASE #1 What’s your diagnosis: 1. This is an uncommon form of atopic dermatitis. T________ F_________ 2. Psoriasis and this disease can have an identical presentation. T________ F_________ 3. Irritating chemicals and housework can cause this. T________ F_________ 4. This is often resistant to treatment. T________ F_________ 5. This is a painless condition. T________ F_________ CASE #2 What’s your diagnosis? 1. This is highly contagious. T________ F_________ 2. Patients with atopic dermatitis always present with this. T________ F_________ 3. This condition is more prominent as age and severity of skin inflammation increase. T________ F_________ 4. Patients with this condition tend to have more widespread inflammation of the body and have a longer disease course. T________ F_________ 5. This condition may be initiated because of a patient rubbing and scratching. T________ F_________ CASE #3 What’s your diagnosis?: 1. This is a distinguishing feature of atopic dermatitis. T________ F_________ 2. Constant rubbing of the eyes is uncommon with this condition. T________ F_________ 3. This condition is only seen in patients with atopic dermatitis. T________ F_________ 4. The lids are frequently exposed to irritants and are a common place for the occurrence of atopic dermatitis. T________ F_________ 5. If it becomes difficult to control this condition then patch testing is recommended. T________ F_________ CASE #4 What’s your diagnosis?: 1. This responds well to topical steroids groups II through V. T________ F_________ 2. This should never be occluded. T________ F_________ 3. This condition is seen at first onset of atopic dermatitis. T________ F_________ 4. Excessive scratching brings this on. T________ F_________ 5. Oral steroids are the drug of choice for this condition. T________ F_________ CASE #5 What’s your diagnosis?: 1. This condition can be found on the entire body including the palms and soles. T________ F_________ 2. This can resemble heat rash and or miliaria. T________ F_________ 3. In adults, a red halo will appear at the margin of the papule. T________ F_________ 4. Systemic steroid therapy is recommended. T________ F_________ 5. Abrasive washing will alleviate this condition. T________ F_________ Useful Sources 1. MD Consult L.L.C. — https://www.mdconsult.com. 2. Habif: Clinical Dermatology, 3rd ed., Copyright 1996 Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 3. Cooper KD: Atopic dermatitis: recent trends in pathogenesis and therapy, J Invest Dermatol 1994;102:128-137. 4. Uehara M: Infraorbital fold in atopic dermatitis, Arch Dermatol 1981;117:627-630.