New concepts in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by pruritic, eczematoid skin lesions. The disease results from interactions between susceptibility genes, the host environment, skin barrier defects, susceptibility to infection and immunological factors. An increased prevalence of atopic dermatitis has generated increased interest and research into each of these areas, and new treatment strategies are being developed based upon an increased understanding of these issues.