How Atopic Dermatitis Changes as You Age

Babies (0-12 months)

• Skin appears red

• Red rashes are likely to appear on face, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp 

• Starts to appear on the elbows and knees between 6 and 12 months

• Can spread to other areas of the body but is not usually found in the diaper area

• May form a yellow crust or small pus bumps on the skin if it gets infected

Children (1-12 years)

• May make skin look dry, scaly and thick with deep lines

• Begins to appear in creases of elbows and knees or on wrists, ankles and hands

• May also appear under eyes, around the mouth, on eyelids and on neck

• Can cause redness and itchy patches behind the ears, on feet or on back of scalp (sometimes mistaken for cradle cap)

Teens (13-19 years)

• Can cause symptoms again after having been dormant, often triggered by stress or anxiety 

• Mainly appears around eyes or on eyelids, neck and scalp

• May be found on nipples, palms and soles of feet

• Can be found in the creases of the elbows and behind the knees

Adults (20-59 years)

• Causes rashes that are more scaly than those in children

• Appears in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck

• May cover much of the body

• Can cause very dry skin on the affected areas

• May cause itchy rashes

• Can lead to frequent skin infections, which can worsen during pregnancy

Older Adults (60 years and older)

• Causes itchy, thick or leathery dry skin

• Results in a decline in skin barrier function

• Creates imbalances of the immune system

• Increases risk of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) infection as a result of open, cracked skin

• Can be worsened by pollen, dust mites, fragrance mixes, and metals (nickel and cobalt) 

This resource was created with support from Regeneron and Sanofi Genzyme.