[Atopic dermatitis]

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is an extremely common condition whose prevalence is on the increasing for the past three decades particularly in North Europe, where it affects 15% of children, since birth to seventh year. A simultaneous increase of atopic respiratory disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis has been reported. Clinical diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis are well known and the recent studies concern particularly the interactions between genetic and environmental provocative factors, such as house dust mites, maternal smoking and food allergens. In susceptible families, the maternal and infants avoidance of these triggers may allow to decrease the incidence or the severity of atopic dermatitis. The conventional treatment remains symptomatic with topical steroids. However, the better understanding of pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis holds the hope of immunomodulating treatment, particularly in refractory cases.