Staphylococcus aureus and atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus frequently colonizes the eczematous skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and is thought to be an important precipitaing factor of AD. The mechanism of worsening AD by Saureus are thought to be that (l) superantigenic exotoxins act as superantigen and allergen, (2) cellular proteins of S aureus act as allergens, and (3) α-toxin and other cytolytic toxins directly destroy the skin tissue. These are the reason why elimination of S aureus is very important to treat AD. © 2000, Japanese Society of National Medical Services. All rights reserved.