A 4-year-old presents with intensely pruritic, erythematous, weeping plaques in the antecubital and popliteal fossae, with dry skin. She also has asthma and allergic rhinitis. Skin prick test is positive to house dust mite. This clinical picture is MOST consistent with:

• A Contact dermatitis
• B Scabies
• C Psoriasis
• D Atopic dermatitis ✓

Explanation

Atopic dermatitis (childhood phase, 2 years to puberty) characteristically involves flexural surfaces — antecubital and popliteal fossae, wrists, and ankles — with severe pruritus and dry skin (xerosis). The atopic triad of eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis strongly supports the diagnosis. Elevated IgE and positive skin prick tests confirm atopic status. Scabies involves burrows on finger webs and genitalia; psoriasis produces silvery scaly plaques on extensor surfaces.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.