What is the Most Common Location for Eczema?

Question: What is the Most Common Location for Eczema?

Answer: While eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can occur on any location of the body, the most common sites for eczema depend on the age of the person. It is important to remember that atopic dermatitis is an itch that, when scratched, erupts into the rash that is described as eczema. Therefore, for a person who has atopic dermatitis, scratching any area of skin long enough will result in eczema.

In infants and very young children, eczema most often involves the face (especially the cheeks), chest, and back of the scalp. This distribution reflects where the child is able to scratch, and therefore usually spares the diaper area.

In older children and adults, the location of eczema classically involves the skin in front of the elbows and behind the knees. Again, these “flexural areas” represent areas that are easily scratched in older people. Eczema can also involve the face (especially the eyelids), and may be limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, particularly in adults.

While eczema can occur on any part of the body that is covered by skin, the locations of the eczema, depending on the age of the person, is highly suggestive of a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Learn more about the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

_Source:

_{Atopic Dermatitis Practice Parameters. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004;93:S1-21.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}