An overview on atopic dermatitis in children.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic recurring inflammatory skin disease divided into at least two different forms: atopic (extrinsic) and non-atopic (intrinsic) dermatitis. Genetic epidemiological studies have unraveled several chromosomal loci with putative candidate genes, some of which are localized on chromosomes 3, 17 and 20, and most recently on 1q21. AD represents a large and continuous spectrum of one disease where different contributions from epidermal, immunologically relevant genes and their interactions with environmental signals dictate the outcome of sensitization. AD appears early in childhood and has a typical clinical picture with characteristic remissions and exacerbations. The variability of the clinical picture is related to the complex etiopathogenesis of the disease and patient's age, and is accompanied by moderate to strong itch. This review outlines recent standpoints on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of AD.
Susac
Andrej
A
Matulić Polyclinic, Split, University Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, Salata 4, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Babić
Sanja
S
Lipozencić
Jasna
J
D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans