Atopic dermatitis: a brief review of recent advances in management

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder characterised by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itch. The disorder affects people of all ages and ethnicities, has a substantial psychosocial impact on patients and relatives, and is the leading cause of the global burden from skin disease. Atopic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of multiple comorbidities, including food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and mental health disorders. The pathophysiology is complex and involves a strong genetic predisposition, epidermal dysfunction, and T-cell driven inflammation. Although type-2 mechanisms are dominant, there is increasing evidence that the disorder involves multiple immune pathways. Until recently, the management of AD rested mainly on the judicious use of emollients, topical steroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors in the majority of patients and systemic immunosuppressants were advocated in severely diseased. However, in the last few years, new therapeutic strategies were designed and developed to target the various steps in the chain of molecular events that lead to the AD phenotype. This review highlights the recent advancements in the management of AD.