[Pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis]

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis shows a familial disposition and is characterised clinically by extreme pruritus, typical eczematoid pathology and distribution on the integument, a chronic relapsing course, and a personal or familial history of atopic diseases (allergic bronchial asthma, rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis), as well as numerous other stigmata and microsymptoms. Although numerous exogenous factors help trigger the disease, more recent findings point to an immunological basis. In recent years, numerous cellular malfunctions of immune cells have been reported, with disturbances in T-lymphocyte predominating. The latest investigations now suggest that the reported changes in the immune response are due to an imbalance in the cytokine network. Thus, it has been observed that disturbances of cytokine production depend upon the severity of the disease, and show an AD-characteristic pattern. The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis however, is not yet fully understood.