How to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in 2024: Theory and Evidence

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. We review emerging concepts and clinical evidence addressing the pathogenesis and prevention of AD. We examine several interventions ranging from skin barrier enhancement strategies to probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics; and conversely, from antimicrobial exposure to vitamin D and omega fatty acid supplementation; breastfeeding and hydrolyzed formula; and house dust mite avoidance and immunotherapy. We appraise the available evidence base within the context of the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We also contextualize our findings in relation to concepts relating AD and individual-patient allergic life trajectories versus a linear concept of the atopic march and provide insights into future knowledge gaps and clinical trial design considerations that must be addressed in forthcoming research. Finally, we provide implementation considerations to detect population-level differences in AD risk. Major international efforts are required to provide definitive evidence regarding what works and what does not for preventing AD.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Antimicrobials; Atopic dermatitis; Breastfeeding; Critical appraisal; Developmental origins of disease; Eczema; Evidence-based medicine; Food introduction; Formula; GRADE; Microbes; Microbiota; Omega 3; Omega 6; Pathogenesis; Population health; Prevent; Prevention; Primary prophylaxis; Probiotics; Public health; Systematic review; Vitamin D; Vitamins and supplements; prebiotics; synbiotics.