Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory dermatosis. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease include itch, eczematous eruptions and excessive dryness of the skin. Elderly patients with AD represent a poorly characterized population because the physiological ageing, possible comorbidity and polypharmacy modify the clinical presentation typically observed in the younger age groups. The aim of the study is to comprehensively assess the clinical characteristics of elderly patients (>60 years old) with AD. Data were collected from 26 AD patients treated in the Department of Derma-tology of the University Hospital in Krakow. Late-onset AD with generalized/prurigo lesions was the most predominant phenotype. Skin biopsy was required in 15 (58%) patients in the differential diagnosis process. Allergic rhinitis, a positive family history of atopy and xerosis were associated with a higher number of hospitalizations during the year prior to the last admission (p = 0.034, p = 0.046 and p = 0.036, respectively). Xerosis was more prevalent among subjects with polypharmacy (p = 0.046) and higher serum total IgE concentration (p = 0.048). AD in elderly patients is a new phenotype of the disease that requires careful differential diagnosis. Aged patients with an individual or family history of atopy, due to the increased incidence of severe exacerbations of AD, may benefit from the introduction of proactive therapy.

Pain in the masticatory muscles or temporomandibular joints may in some cases be a symptom of other afflictions occurring in this region. The aim of the study was to present the differential diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and other diseases in the craniofacial area, based on review of the literature. Using the key words: “differential diagnosis of TMD”, “pain of non-dental origin” and “chronic orofacial pain”, PUBMED and Scopus databases were systematically searched for articles in English from 2005 to 2020. Additionally, the PUBMED database was supplementarily reviewed using the keywords “Lyme disease orofacial symptoms” for the English-language articles published in the years 1996–2020. Out of 445 publications from PUBMED and Scopus databases as well as other sources, 57 articles describ-ing the pathogenesis and characteristic symptoms of diseases that may cause pain similar to that occurring in TMD as well as diagnostic methods used in differential diagnosis of TMD were selected for analysis. Dental and jawbones-related conditions, ear and maxillary sinus diseases, as well as ailments of neuro-pathic and vascular origin, were taken into account. Neoplastic processes taking place in this region and less often occurring diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites were also described. Conclusions. Correct diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders is based on medical history and thorough physical examination, as well as results of additional tests. Pain localized in the head and neck structures may have diverse, sometimes complex aetiology, and may require multidisciplinary treatment. Observation of the patient’s behaviour and — in selected cases — the results of additional laboratory tests, also play a sig-nificant role.