Periocular Manifestation in Acute Atopic Dermatitis in a Paediatric Patient. A Case Report

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly, and crusted lesions, most commonly affecting infants and children. The condition presents with intense pruritus and a chronic course with exacerbations. Periorbital involvement is expected due to the thin and sensitive skin in this area, and the inflammation can be exacerbated by rubbing or scratching. This case reports a 5-year-old girl with bilateral periorbital inflammation that had been present for 4 hours. She had a history of atopic dermatitis and no known surgical history or medication allergies but was allergic to shellfish. No medication or topical cream was administered for the described episode. Upon waking up, she presented with newly developed periorbital inflammation. She had not consumed any food to which she was known to be allergic, and there had been no increase in eyelid scratching. There was no recollection of contact with any toxic agents. During the physical examination, erythematous scaly plaques were observed on both cheeks, chin, and neck, and periorbital inflammation accompanied by eyelid and periorbital Dennie-Morgan fold. The primary diagnosis was periorbital atopic dermatitis in the context of an acute atopic dermatitis flare-up. The prescribed treatment included prednisolone acetate (Estilsona) for five days and pimecrolimus for the atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a complex condition with a multifactorial aetiology, and its management can be challenging. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for atopic dermatitis.