Understanding and Managing Atopic Dermatitis: Insights into Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema, is a common, chronic, non-infectious, relapsing-remitting inflammatory skin disease with increasing incidence globally. It results from a complex interaction of immune dysregulation, genetic mutations, and environmental factors, causing severe itchy skin lesions. AD affects 10-20% of children and 2-10% of adults in industrialized countries and often precedes other atopic diseases such as asthma. Aim of the Study: This study aims to summarize the current knowledge on atopic dermatitis, including its epidemiology, etiology, and treatment methods. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database with keywords: "atopic dermatitis," "atopic eczema," "JAK inhibitors," "calcineurin inhibitors," and "AD systematic treatment." Conclusion: AD is a multifactorial disease involving epidermal barrier defects, genetic predispositions, and immune dysregulation. Effective management requires a combination of topical and systemic therapies. First-line treatments include emollients and topical corticosteroids, with newer options like phosphodiesterase inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and biologics offering promising results. This study provides a comprehensive overview of AD, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted treatment approach.