[Atopic dermatitis on infant physical examination].

The prevalence rate of atopic dermatitis was investigated in 4-month-old infants, who were examined by dermatologists at regular health checks at a health center. Among 739 infants examined, 150 were diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis, giving a prevalence rate of 20.3%. Most of the cases were mild, and no severe cases were observed. The prevalence rate in spring and autumn was significantly higher than that in summer and winter. The eruptions were seen mainly on the head, face, and trunk. A familial history of atopic dermatitis was positively correlated with infant atopic dermatitis in this series, whereas a familial history of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis showed no such correlation. It is important to make a correct diagnosis of mild atopic dermatitis by differentiation from other diseases by dermatologists, and it will be of interest to observe the condition of the infants when they attend for their next physical examination at the age of 18 months.