title: Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis.
abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a serious epidemiological problem in industrialized countries. The incidence of AD has increased considerably over the last 30 years. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease accompanied by strong itching. It is characterized by typical features depending on age. The parents of children suffering from AD must be prepared to change their lifestyle. They should avoid factors which can promote skin lesions and apply appropriate, regular skin care. The article describes primary prevention of AD as well as prophylactic measures to avoid skin eczema. It presents the role of infections, vaccinations, breastfeeding and the influence of domestic animals, house renovation and moulds on development of AD. The article also describes the significance of the epidermal barrier, skin colonization by microbial agents, pruritus, stress, food and inhalant allergy among people who suffer from AD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oszukowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Iwonna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Michalak
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gutfreund
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bienias
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matych
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szewczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. Head of the Department: Prof. Andrzej Kaszuba MD, PhD.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaszuba
keywords: atopic dermatitis; primary prevention; secondary prevention