Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease which affects 10 to 20% of the population, usually with onset during infancy. The frequency of AD appears to have increased over the past three decades. Attempts to identify parameters predictive of the development of AD have been made by many investigators during the last decades. Although genetic factors remain unmodifiable, avoidance of relevant trigger factors could modify the development of AD. This paper reviews and discusses findings of the last several years and outlines recent advances in genetic studies of AD. In spite of decades of intensive research and newly developed technology, the parental history of AD appears to be the most valuable predictive parameter. However, the predictive capacity is not sufficient to recommend it as screening instrument. At this time, a perinatal screening with the objective of primary prevention of AD does not seem feasible.