*2.4. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Diagnosis*

Atopic dermatitis (AD) was diagnosed based on the UK Working Party's criteria with modifications necessary for infants [40,41], i.e., itchy skin (or parental report of scratching or rubbing) and at least three of the following symptoms:


AD severity was assessed based on SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scale at study entry [42]. AD patients were further stratified into two groups based on the presence of accompanying FA symptoms:

