Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
The diagnosis and graded therapy of atopic dermatitis
Thomas Werfel1, Nicolaus Schwerk2, Gesine Hansen2
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Hannover Skin Cancer Center, Hannover Medical School.
Insights
Atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition, requires individualized treatment focusing on triggers and barrier repair. New molecular insights are driving innovative therapeutic approaches for this chronic disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis affects 10-15% of children and is also prevalent in adults.
- Effective management of chronic and severe cases necessitates collaboration between primary care and specialists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding and treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis.
- To highlight the importance of individualized patient assessment and management.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature search of PubMed.
- Consideration of guidelines from the Association of Medical Scientific Societies in Germany (AWMF) and the European Dermatology Forum.
Main Results:
- Individualized assessment of triggers (irritants, allergens, microbes, psychological factors) is crucial.
- Emollients and irritant avoidance are vital due to impaired skin barrier function.
- Topical anti-inflammatories (glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors) are key; systemic treatments are used in severe cases.
- Interdisciplinary patient education improves management outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding cutaneous barrier and immune disorders are paving the way for novel atopic dermatitis treatments.
- New therapeutic strategies are emerging based on molecular insights into the disease's basis.
Background:
Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in children, with a prevalence of 10% to 15%, and is common in adults as well. Close coordination between primary care physicians and specialists is essential for the adequate treatment of chronically and severely affected patients.
Method:
This article is a review of pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in Pubmed, with additional consideration of the guidelines of the Association of Medical Scientific Societies in Germany (AWMF) and the European Dermatology Forum.
Results:
Trigger factors such as skin irritants, allergens, microbial pathogens, and psychological factors can affect the condition of the skin differently in individual patients and should be individually assessed. The use of skin moisturising creams or emollients along with avoidance of specific and unspecific irritants is of great importance, as these patients have an impaired cutaneous barrier. Topical anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids or calcineurin inhibitors is a central part of the management of atopic dermatitis; in exceptional cases, severely affected patients are treated with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs. Interdisciplinary patient education has been found to be an effective tool in the complex management of this disease. Chronically and severely affected patients present special challenges for diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion:
Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of cutaneous barrier disorders and of congenital and acquired immune disorders have led to new approaches to the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
More Related Videos
09:32Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
06:47Effects of Exposure of Formaldehyde to a Rat Model of Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Neonatal Capsaicin Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acne Infection
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...