title: Atopic dermatitis: epidemiology and pathogenesis update.
abstract: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased markedly in the United States over the past 5 decades, with current reports varying from 10% to 20% prevalence in US children, and new diagnoses are estimated at almost 11% per year. Recent research in AD pathophysiology and pathogenesis has demonstrated that AD is associated with epidermal barrier dysfunction and that mutations in the filaggrin gene are implicated in barrier defects. These discoveries hold promise for future breakthroughs in the diagnosis and management of AD.
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. leichenfield@rchsd.org
authors.forename: Lawrence F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Eichenfield
authors.forename: Charles N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: Amy S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Paller
authors.forename: Eric L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D015995:Prevalence; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis; D014481:United States
chemical_list: C000717249:FLG protein, human; D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins; D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins