A 3 year old child has eczematous dermatitis on extensor surfaces. His mother gives history of bronchial asthma. Diagnosis is
First, let's break down the key points. The child has eczema on extensor surfaces. Wait, typical eczema in infants and young children usually affects the flexor surfaces, like the elbows and knees. But here it's the extensor surfaces, which is a bit different. Then there's a family history of asthma. The mother has bronchial asthma. So maybe this is a case of atopic dermatitis, which is part of the atopic triad along with asthma and allergic rhinitis. But the location is different. Hmm.
Wait, atopic dermatitis in children is usually flexural, but in some cases, especially with different subtypes or maybe other types of eczema? Or could this be another condition? Let me think. The atopic triad includes atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. So if the mother has asthma, the child is at higher risk for atopic dermatitis. But the location is extensor surfaces. Maybe this is a variant? Or perhaps the question is trying to test knowledge of atopic dermatitis despite the location. Alternatively, could it be contact dermatitis? But there's no mention of contact with an allergen. Or maybe another condition like seborrheic dermatitis? But that's more on the face, scalp, etc.
Wait, another thought: in some cases, atopic dermatitis can present with different distributions, especially in older children. But the question is about a 3-year-old. Typically, in infants, it's more on the face and extensor surfaces, but as they grow, it shifts to flexor surfaces. Wait, maybe the question is referring to infantile eczema. Let me check. Infants with atopic dermatitis often have involvement of the cheeks, forehead, and extensor surfaces. So maybe the question is testing the knowledge that in very young children, atopic dermatitis can present on extensor surfaces, and the family history of asthma supports the atopic diathesis.
Therefore, the diagnosis here is likely atopic dermatitis, despite the extensor location, because of the family history and the age. The other options might be other types of eczema or unrelated conditions. The answer is atopic dermatitis, which is part of the atopic triad. The options probably include other eczematous conditions, but the key is the atopic family history and the age.
**Core Concept**
The question assesses the clinical diagnosis of eczematous dermatitis in the context of atopic diathesis. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children, often associated with a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies. Distribution patterns vary by age, with infants commonly showing extensor surface involvement.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The child’s eczematous rash on extensor surfaces (cheeks, elbows, knees) and a family history of asthma strongly suggest **atopic dermatitis**. AD in infants typically presents on extensor surfaces, while