Segmental atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

A 10-year-old boy was first observed due to the presence of itchy lesions prevailing on the right arm. The lesions had arisen 9 months before during spring on the right arm and the flexor surface of the right knee. The lesions had improved during the summer holidays, but recurred in autumn, also affecting the left popliteal fossa. The remote personal history was negative for atopic manifestations, his mother had a contact allergic dermatitis to perfumes and a paternal uncle had a spring allergic rhinitis. The physical examination (Fig. 1) put in evidence erythematous-scaling and scratching lesions on the flexor surface of the right arm and forearm. Similar lesions were present on the right popliteal fossa and with a minor severity on the left one, while the skin of the left upper limb and of the remaining skin surface was normal. The final diagnosis was segmental atopic dermatitis.