Viral infections in atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Individuals with atopic dermatitis are susceptible to frequent viral skin infections due to a compromised epidermal barrier function and immune dysregulation. The diagnosis and management of viral infections in atopic dermatitis can be challenging due to various clinical phenotypes and overlapping clinical features. The literature is reviewed for the diagnosis, aetiology, management, differential diagnoses and complications of these viral infections to provide an up-to-date clinical overview for clinicians involved in caring for patients with atopic dermatitis, including patients with skin of colour. The importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management in cases of uncertainty is crucial due to the risk of life-threatening complications with some viral infections. The differing presentations of these infections in patients with skin of colour is highlighted as an underrepresented area of research. Future research with greater diversity of patients is needed for patients with atopic dermatitis complicated by viral skin infections.