Recent insights into atopic dermatitis and implications for management of infectious complications.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common complex disease that frequently follows a chronic relapsing course and affects the quality of life of patients and families in a significant manner. New insights into the pathophysiology of AD point to an important role of structural abnormalities in the epidermis combined with immune dysregulation. Patients with AD have a unique predisposition to colonization or infection by a number of microbial organisms, most notably Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus. A multipronged approach directed at healing or protecting the skin barrier and addressing the immune dysregulation is necessary to improve the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Boguniewicz
Mark
M
Division of Pediatric Allergy-Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health and University of Colorado School of Medicine, 1400 Jackson St, Rm J310, Denver, CO 80206, USA. boguniewiczm@njhealth.org
Leung
Donald Y M
DY
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity