Overview of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a very common chronic disease that reportedly affects 10%-20% of the general population. The prevalence of AD appears to be steadily increasing, at least in developing countries. Two pathogenetic mechanisms have been mentioned. Traditionally immunological aberrations are thought to be a primary event in the initial development of AD ("inside-to-outside hypothesis"). Another hypothesis assumes that there is an intrinsic defect in epidermal barrier. Due to this barrier defect, allergens or irritants can easily penetrate the epidermal barrier, and induce immunologic reaction secondarily ("outside-to-inside hypothesis"). These days the epidermal barrier defect seems to gain more support as a primary event than immunological aberrations in the early changes of AD since the filaggrin mutation was reported in AD patients. Clinically AD initially affects face, and with age, flexural areas are typically involved. AD has many different clinical features. Diagnostic criteria for AD in each country may be a little different, although based on the criteria proposed by Hanifin and Rajka. AD can be controlled effectively with topical and/or systemic treatments and fortunately spontaneously disappears with age. However, in some cases very resistant to conventional therapies, additional treatments such as immunosuppressive agents are needed.

Comorbidities and Phenotypes of Rhinitis in Korean Children and Adolescents: A Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study

“…Asthma was defined by symptoms (cough, wheeze, and exercise-induced bronchospasm) and spirometry results for those >6 years of age 3. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by doctors according to the criteria proposed by Hanifin and Rajka13 and the Korean diagnostic criteria 12. Otitis media was diagnosed after ear examination by physicians 14.…”

Neuroendocrine cells derived chemokine vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in allergic diseases

“…Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a type of skin inflammation and it affects 10%–20% of the population [125, 126]. Nervous system modulates the immunologic responses in the skin of AD patients.…”

The efficacy of whey associated with dodder seed extract on moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…AD affects 15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults (Bieber, 2008). Prevalence in developing countries is more than 10% in the general population and is increasing day by day, while in developed countries prevalence has reached a level plateau of approximately 20% (Kim, 2013). Atopic dermatitis occurs in those who are genetically predisposed.…”