Atopic dermatitis in children: clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015 Feb;35(1):161-83. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.008. Epub 2014 Nov 21.

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, highly pruritic skin condition resulting from disruption of the epithelial barrier and associated immune dysregulation in the skin of genetically predisposed hosts. AD generally develops in early childhood, has a characteristic age-dependent distribution and is commonly associated with elevated IgE, peripheral eosinophilia, and other allergic diseases. Medications such as antihistamines have demonstrated poor efficacy in controlling AD-associated itch. Education of patients regarding the primary underlying defects and provision of a comprehensive skin care plan is essential for disease maintenance and management of flares.

Keywords: Allergy; Atopic dermatitis; Eczema; Hyper-IgE syndrome; Netherton syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / physiopathology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy*
  • Eczema
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Job Syndrome / complications
  • Job Syndrome / genetics
  • Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption / complications
  • Netherton Syndrome / complications
  • Netherton Syndrome / genetics
  • Pruritus / complications
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Pruritus / immunology
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / complications
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Calcineurin Inhibitors
  • Histamine Antagonists