Introduction: atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic dermatosis that affects 1020% of the population. The prevalence of AD in Chile is unknown. Objectives: 1. To determine prevalence and 2. Severity of AD, 3. Correlation among diagnostic criteria and 4. Determine major and minor criteria in Chilean children. Methodology: Random sample of 200 children, both sexes, 04 years-old, who attend 20 nursing care clinics in northern Santiago, were included. In order to assess diagnostic features, a complete history and physical examination was performed. Visible dermatitis (V), Hanifin and Rajka (HR), United Kingdom (UK) and Honeyman′s (H) diagnostic criteria for AD were used. Results: Prevalence of AD was 10%, 4%, 3.3% and 2.5% with V, H, HR and UK criteria, respectively. 90% of children had light or mild AD. SCORAD mean of 21.9. A stronger association between HR and H criteria was found (kappa 0.55; CI 95% 0.230.86; p-value 0,000). MAJ: 8% history of itching; 11.8% with personal history of atopy/asthma; 9% with history of flexural involvement; 5.5% with generally dry skin. 16.4% had MIN present. Conclusions: Prevalence and severity of AD using V criterion was similar to the internationally reported, but lower when using the other three diagnostic criteria. HR and H criteria had the stronger association to identify AD in Chilean children. Prevalence of major and minor diagnostic criteria was lower than the international reports. This is a first study that evaluates AD Prevalence using different criteria in young children conducted in Chile. © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. Todos los derechos reservados.