Atopic Dermatitis (Pediatric) Differential Diagnosis

Last updated: 09 July 2026

Differential Diagnosis

Atopic Dermatitis Pediatric_Differential DiagnosisAtopic Dermatitis Pediatric_Differential Diagnosis

  • Other conditions that can mimic atopic dermatitis and thus have to be ruled out are as follows:
    • Collagen diseases (eg systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis)
    • Contact dermatitis: This may co-exist with atopic dermatitis. The defective epidermal barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis allows entry of irritants and increased allergen permeation, which leads to sensitization, resulting in the potential development of allergic contact dermatitis in subsequent exposures
    • Dermatitis herpetiformis
    • Dermatomycosis
    • Ichthyosis
    • Keratosis pilaris
    • Nummular dermatitis
    • Pityriasis alba
    • Psoriasis
    • Scabies
    • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Less common conditions that can mimic atopic dermatitis are as follows:
    • Cutaneous lymphoma
    • Mycosis fungoides
    • Netherton syndrome
    • Primary immunodeficiency