Atopic Dermatitis: From Etiology and History to Treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease in patients with atopy. Atopy itself, is defined as a predisposition to develop immune response with overproduction of immunoglobulin E to low doses of allergens. AD is one of the most common skin disorders in the developed world, affecting up to 20% of children and about 3% of adults. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a significant role in it. Clinically, hallmarks of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin and various cutaneous efflorescence, compatible to dermatitis or eczema. Atopic dermatitis subdivides into three morphological variants manifesting during infancy, childhood and adulthood. Various environmental factors and associated diseases may have serious influence on the clinical course or may trigger disease relapses. The aim of this review article is to serve as a comprehensive overview of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical course and diagnosis, as well as potential challenges facing the successful treatment of atopic dermatitis.