[Etiologies of atopic dermatitis]

Atopic dermatitis is no longer a constitutional illness that cannot be influenced. The discovery of IgE fixed to the cells of Langerhans changes the physiopathological concept of this illness. There must be a minutely careful search for all the possible etiologies before advising therapy or long-term treatment. Attention must be given to the role of foods, discovery of causal pneumoallergens and a systematic search for a contact allergen must be made. This systematic and scrupulous search also gives confidence to a patient who is discouraged by the development of the condition.