Atopic dermatitis: new insights and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that frequently predates the development of allergic rhinitis or asthma. It is an important skin condition with significant costs and morbidity to patients and their families; the disease affects more than 10% of children. Recent studies have demonstrated the complex interrelationship of genetic, environmental, skin barrier, pharmacologic, psychologic, and immunologic factors that contribute to the development and severity of AD. The current review will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to AD as well as the immunologic triggers involved in its pathogenesis. These insights provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in this common skin condition.