[Atopic dermatitis]

Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is a disease mostly of childhood, but also of adult life. The classical course of childhood eczema shows improvement in 80% of the cases. The pathogenesis of the disease is now better understood but the world wide prevalence of atopic dermatitis has increased two to threefold over the past 30 years. Atopic dermatitis affects considerably quality of life as well in children as in adults. Important clues in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease are genetic factors, skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Triggers of atopic dermatitis are well identified: food and airborne allergens, contact allergens, skin microorganisms, irritants and psychological stress. Concerning therapy, the different topical and systemic options are described, as well as the importance of therapeutic education.