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module menu icon Diagnosing atopic eczema

Eczema is diagnosed clinically – there is no biochemical test. A diagnosis of eczema is made if the patient has itchy skin plus three or more of the following:

  • Onset before two years of age
  • History of dry skin
  • History of eczema in the skin creases (and also the cheeks in children under 10 years of age)
  • Visible flexural eczema (inside elbows, behind knees or on cheeks, forehead and outer limbs in children under four years of age)
  • Personal history of other atopic disease (or history of any atopic disease in a first-degree relative if the child is less than four years of age).

Eczema can vary considerably in severity and frequency of flare-ups. It can have a profound impact on quality of life.

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