A Clinico-epidermiological study of atopic dermatitis.

This study was undertaken to assess the clinicoepidemiological profile of our patients with atopic dermatitis and to determine the application of Hanifin and Rajka 's major and minor criteria in them. A total of 106 patients were examined. The mean age of onset was 10.74 years. 72.64% patients had a personal history and 83% patients had a positive family history of an atopic diathesis. The mean cutaneous surface area involved was 9.68%. Hanifin and Rajka's major criteria were seen in mast of the cases and were useful discerners of the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Of the minor criteria, xerosis, periorbital darkening, Dennie Morgan's fold, emotional factors, pityriasis alba, intolerance to synthetics/wool, and intolerance to foods were noted to be useful clinical pointers (in descending order of frequency) in the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.