A practical overview of pediatric atopic dermatitis, part 1: epidemiology and pathogenesis

Nanette B Silverberg1

  • 1Mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Centers of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.

Cutis
|May 11, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting children, impacting their quality of life. This review covers AD epidemiology, pathogenesis, and skin barrier function, with future parts addressing triggers and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Immunology
  • Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory condition within the atopy spectrum.
  • It affects roughly 25% of children in developed nations, significantly impacting quality of life.
  • AD involves hyperreactivity to environmental allergens and irritants, affecting skin barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.
  • To provide an overview of skin barrier function in the context of AD.
  • To lay the groundwork for subsequent discussions on AD triggers, diagnosis, and management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epidemiological data.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of AD pathogenesis.
  • Examination of research on skin barrier dysfunction in AD.

Main Results:

  • Atopic dermatitis is a widespread condition, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • The pathogenesis involves complex immune system dysregulation and impaired skin barrier.
  • Skin barrier defects are a key feature contributing to AD.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding AD epidemiology and pathogenesis is crucial for effective management.
  • Skin barrier dysfunction is central to AD development and severity.
  • This review serves as an introduction to a comprehensive series on atopic dermatitis.

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