These red (erythematous), scaly plaques on the legs are caused by
an inherited allergic condition called atopic dermatitis. Many of
these areas have been scratched until they are raw and infected,
with the infection triggering and perpetuating the problem. In
adults, atopic dermatitis frequently involves the body creases
(inside elbows, behind knees).
Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center
for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
