[Atopic neurodermatitis. Clinical course--pathophysiology--therapy]

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most frequent dermatological diseases. It is a symptom in the framework of the atopic syndrome. Although it is not characteristic for infants and newborns, in respect to localization and form, typical lesions (seropapules, lichenification) and localizations (bends of the arm and knee, face and wrists) may begin at the age of four years and later. Regarding the pathophysiological aspects, non-immunological factors (decrease in the sebaceous gland secretion, reduced barrier function of skin, disturbances in sweat gland secretion) as well as immunological factors (increase in IgE, reduced cell-rendered immunity) play a role. In the focal point of all therapeutic considerations stand efforts to avoid an unnecessarily long and intensive therapy with corticosteroids by replacing corticosteroid treatment by external therapy using other medications (tars, eosin) or by employing UV-A light therapy and by reducing the relapse quota by undertaking measures for bodily hygiene (no soap washing, oil additives in baths, oil and fat creams) and by climate change cures.