title: Can atopic dermatitis be prevented?
abstract: Atopic dermatitis has become a health problem in our setting due to its rising prevalence, impact on quality of life, associated costs, and role in the progression to other atopic diseases. Furthermore, atopic dermatitis has no definitive cure and therefore preventive measures are important. In this article, we review the latest advances in both primary prevention (reduction of the incidence of atopic dermatitis) and secondary prevention (reduction of associated morbidity and reduction of the atopic march). We analyze the different preventive strategies available, including modification of the immune system through microbial exposure, induction of immune tolerance through antigen exposure, and restoration of skin barrier function to halt the atopic march. Dermatologists need to be familiar with these strategies in order to apply them where necessary and to accurately inform patients and their relatives to prevent misguided or inappropriate actions.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, España. Electronic address: egomezf@fhalcorcon.es.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gómez-de la Fuente
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000941:Antigens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001691:Biological Therapy; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004391:Dust; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D056692:Prebiotics; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D019936:Probiotics; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000941:Antigens; D004391:Dust; D056692:Prebiotics
keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Atopic march; Dermatitis atópica; Marcha atópica; Prevención; Prevention