Clinical Evidence: Internal Factors
Key points • Less than 50% of patients affected with atopic dermatitis have a genetic mutation of the skin barrier protein, filaggrin. Thus additional contributing factors, barrier defects, and beyond…
Dermatology
Topical Therapies
Key points • Optimal bathing practices can improve atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and limit disease flares. Best practices include daily bathing for less than 10 minutes in lukewarm water, utilizing…
Neurosensory Mechanisms
Key points • Both itch and pain are very frequent symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis, with a prevalence of more than 50%. • Patients with atopic dermatitis show neuronal…
Clinical Evidence: External Factors
Key points • The fact that up to 50% of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have loss-of-function genetic mutations of skin barrier protein filaggrin points to a cutaneous weakness that allows…
Epigenetics
Key points • There are three major types of epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation, microRNAs, and posttranslational histone modifications. • DNA methylation and microRNAs alter the expression of atopic dermatitis-associated genes…
Immunogens
Key points • Patients with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to developing irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). • ICD can present with phenotypic subtypes such as…
Humoral Factors
Key points • Allergen-specific B cells are differentiated into plasma cells producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Through binding to the receptors (FcεRI and FcεRII), IgE induces cytokine and chemokine production…
Oxidative Stress, Environmental Factors, and Pollutants
Key points • The worldwide prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has risen over recent decades, paralleling industrial and urban growth. • Airborne pollutants induce oxidative damage at the skin interface…
Atopy of the Skin
Key points • Atopy of the skin is manifested as atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema). • Histologically, the atopy of the skin is characterized by epidermal and dermal infiltration predominantly by…