Could my child have eczema?
Childhood eczema
What is childhood eczema?
When a child develops eczema, it’s usually a type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis. This type of eczema usually begins by 5 years of age.
Is atopic dermatitis contagious? No
Eczema is a common condition in children. It is so common that people have given it a few names:
Eczema (name most people use)
Dermatitis
Atopic (a-top-ic) eczema
Atopic dermatitis
If you think your child could have eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), the earlier it’s diagnosed the better.
![Atopic dermatitis in the creases of a boy's elbows and feet](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/5jMWU2u9RE2OXM3qsAnewe/6661ded7f8865b402cf3a44f86e2c9c6/atopic-dermatitis-symptoms_feet.jpg?w=450&h=300)
What you see on a person’s skin varies with age. See what it looks like in babies, children, and adults.
![sleeping baby. When eczema is under control, a child can sleep peacefully.](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/7vmmziflCzSLgz8megssYD/bff9fd04260406ae23f3e0c2bebaca86/child-sleeping.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Some children have a greater risk of developing eczema (atopic dermatitis). Does your child?
![Close-up of a girl with eczema; atopic dermatitis visible on arm, hand, neck, ear, and part of face.](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/5NNod81AcA1LgZXK2cThOs/aa437c52c4b6b976df3eb26843439606/what-is-eczema-card.png?w=450&h=300)
A pediatric dermatologist explains how the skin and immune system are involved.
![Doctor photo with the text difference between eczema and psoriasis](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/U92PtrK1NkNhhVUCULAmP/017c5e3f0e5c65fd455463c6f5923528/Difference-eczema-psoriasis.jpg?w=450&h=300)
They can look alike in kids. See how dermatologists find the differences.
![Dermatologist appointment for baby](http://images.ctfassets.net/1ny4yoiyrqia/49fpeI6T1kEO5cZjuEOQW4/6e5c814d0f223ea2b51d65b98c63de7c/Dermatologist-diagnosis.jpg?w=450&h=300)
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial. Here’s what to expect.