The course of the disease is not predictable. About 10 per cent of the German population is affected by atopic dermatitis. Infants may develop eczema already shortly after birth, more frequently eczema develop during the third and sixth month of life, especially in the face and on the head (milk crusts). In 2-4-year-old infants, also the folds of the elbows and knees as well as wrist and ankles may be involved. The skin is altogether very dry and reddened, sometimes it can become runny and cracked. In up to 80 per cent of affected infants, atopic dermatitis has markedly improved when they enter school.

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