Atopic Eczema

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a complex disorder that is highly heritable, but which is strongly influenced by the environment. This chapter reviews the current understanding and describes in detail important concepts in disease pathogenesis in children and adults. Epidemiological understanding, allergy and trigger factors are reviewed. Alongside a comprehensive description of how to optimise topical therapies, phototherapy and the use of classic systemic treatments, we review the most important inflammatory pathways and link these directly to modern therapeutic treatment advances, and the evidence for their effectiveness and safety.