An infant presented with erythematous lesions on cheek, extensor aspect of limbs, mother has history of bronchial asthma, the probable diagnosis is
💡 Explanation
## **Core Concept**
The question involves a case presentation suggestive of a skin condition with a possible allergic or atopic predisposition, given the mother's history of bronchial asthma. The infant's symptoms include erythematous lesions on the cheek and extensor aspects of limbs.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. The condition is chronic and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. The presence of erythematous lesions on the cheek and extensor aspects of limbs in an infant, along with a maternal history of bronchial asthma (suggesting an atopic predisposition), strongly supports the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. This condition often presents in infancy with lesions typically on the face (cheeks), scalp, and extensor surfaces of the limbs.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While seborrheic dermatitis can present with erythematous lesions, it typically involves areas rich in sebaceous glands like the scalp, face (nasolabial folds), and less commonly the extensor surfaces of limbs. The distribution and the specific mention of atopic predisposition (mother's asthma) make this less likely.
- **Option B:** Contact dermatitis could present with erythematous lesions but usually follows exposure to an allergen or irritant. There's no specific information provided about exposure history, making this less directly linked to the maternal history of asthma.
- **Option C:** Psoriasis can present with erythematous lesions but typically involves the extensor surfaces, scalp, and sometimes the joints. While possible, the maternal history of asthma more strongly suggests an atopic condition.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that atopic dermatitis often follows the "atopic march," where individuals with a family history of atopic diseases (like asthma, allergic rhinitis) are more likely to develop eczema early in life, which can then progress to other allergic conditions.