The clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis varies with age. There are 3 phases of eczema present that differently.
- Infantile stage (0-2 years of age) – Occurs on the face, scalp, extensor surfaces of limbs, and on the trunk. Infants may have generalized body eczema. Lesions are pruritic, red, weeping or scaly, and crusted lesions.
- Childhood stage (from 2 to 12 years) – the flexural surfaces (esp. the antecubital and popliteal fossae), wrists (volar aspect), ankles, and neck. Usually presents as pruritic lichenified plaques
- Adult stage (puberty onward) – the hands, flexural surfaces, and face are often involved; it is usually more localized; mainly lichenification but can be exudative. Can even be on the eyelids.