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Atopic dermatitis tends to unfold in three stages, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms.  

• First phase: The initial period of atopic dermatitis symptoms usually begins within the first 6 months of a child's life (often on the cheeks and the folds behind the elbows and knees). Symptoms, which periodically flare up and worsen over time, include:
  
  
• • Itchy, dry, red skin
    
    
  • Small bumps on the cheeks, forehead or scalp
    
    
  • Rash that spreads to the arms and torso
    
    
  • Red, crusted lesions on the face, scalp, arms or legs
    
    
• Second phase: This middle phase usually occurs between ages 4 and 10. Symptoms include:
  
  
• • Circular, slightly raised, itchy and scaly eruptions in the bends of the knees and elbows; or, on the back of wrists and ankles
    
    
  • Rash that is less scaly and itchy than during the first phase
    
    
  • Extremely itchy and dry skin
    
    
  • Thickened, brownish areas of skin from intense scratching
    
    
• Third phase: In this final phase, symptoms gradually reduce and often subside by adulthood. Symptoms in this stage include:
  
  
• • Itchiness
    
    
  • Dry, scaly skin

Not all patients experience symptoms that follow this pattern. Some find significant improvement around age 5, only to see the condition return in puberty. Others will see flare-ups continue on and off through adulthood. In rare cases, atopic dermatitis will not appear for the first time until adulthood. In these cases, the rash tends to affect the hands, neck, face, genitals and the inside surfaces of knees and elbows.

Sometimes, atopic dermatitis will lead to bacterial infections in the skin. Symptoms of such an infection include:

• Red streaks extending from the infected area
  
  
• Pus or fluid discharge from the rash
  
  
• Honey-colored crusts on the skin
  
  
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher with no other cause