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.