Atopic dermatitis
Hunziker, T.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 127(10): 390-394
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 9132926 Document Number: 479680
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema determined by polygenic inheritance which is often associated with further phenotypes of the atopic syndrome such as extrinsic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Discussion of pathogenesis includes complex immunological and biochemical disorders as well as various triggering environmental factors. Characteristic patterns of distribution and morphology of the lesions vary with the patient's age. In addition, there is a broad spectrum of clinical variants. Diagnosis is based on stage-dependent eczematous morphology, if necessary validated by histology, family and personal history and clinical features of atopy, as well as on the results of allergologic assessment primarily comprising intra- and epicutaneous testing. Topical corticosteroids still are the main therapeutic approach.