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→Clinical Signs
===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
Signs are often, but not always, seasonal. Pruritus is the key feature of atopic dermatitis and may be the only complaint. This gives rise to self-trauma, causing lesions. Lesions can include alopecia, erythema, scaling, crusting, excoriations and salivary staining. With time, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation develops. Certain areas of the body are affected more frequently than others: the feet, face, ears, axillae and vental abdomen are predilection sites. Secondary infections such as superficial staphylococcal pyoderma and Malassezia are common. A small number of cases may present only with chronic or recurrent otitis externa.
Signs are often, but not always, seasonal. Pruritus is the hallmark of atopic dermatitis and may be the only complaint. This gives rise to self-trauma, causing lesions. Lesions commonly include alopecia, erythema, scaling, crusting, excoriations and salivary staining. Macular-papular eruptions are occasionally seen<sup>beale</sup>. With time, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation develops. Because the route of allergen contact is thought to be percutaneous absorption<sup>beale</sup>, it follows that hairless regions are most frequently affected: the face, ears, axillae, feet and inguinal regions are predilection sites. Secondary infections such as superficial staphylococcal pyoderma and Malassezia are common. A small number of cases may present only with chronic or recurrent otitis externa.
Affected areas generally exhibit erythema, pruritus, and occasionally have a macular-papular eruption. With time, more chronic changes occur: lichenification, hyperpigmentation,, scaling and seborrhea. Secondary infections are common, with both bacterial pyoderma and malassezia dermatitis affecting the skin and yeast and bacterial otitis. Hyperhidrosis is a common symptom.
Affected areas generally exhibit erythema, pruritus, and occasionally have a macular-papular eruption. With time, more chronic changes occur: lichenification, hyperpigmentation,, scaling and seborrhea. Secondary infections are common, with both bacterial pyoderma and malassezia dermatitis affecting the skin and yeast and bacterial otitis. Hyperhidrosis is a common symptom.