A new article published in Current Medical Issues discussed that atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic eczema, is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disorder commonly affecting children. The condition is characterized by constant pruritus and its etiopathogenesis is complex, involving genetics and environmental triggers. 

Individuals with AD harbor skin barrier dysfunction along with an aberrant helper T-cell type 2 immune response. The diagnosis is primarily clinical; a simplified version of the United Kingdom Working Partys diagnostic criteria can be utilized. 

The authors informed that AD can be debilitating and significantly impairs the quality of life of the patients. Subjective management strategy should be adopted; various components include – education, identification and avoidance of triggers, skin barrier repair and maintenance, control of inflammation, management of secondary infection and prevention of flares. 

The article further stated that the mainstay of treatment includes emollients to maintain skin barrier and topical anti-inflammatory agents to control inflammation. While in moderate-to-severe disease, systemic agents might be required. 

Source: Current Medical Issues. 2020;18:317-25. doi: 10.4103/cmi.cmi_81_20