Recognizing and managing clinical problems in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is a pruritic, inflammatory cutaneous disorder found most frequently among patients with a personal or family history of atopic disease. A primary defect is found in bone marrow cells. The most consistent abnormality relates to the overproduction of IgE. Pharmacophysiologic abnormalities include abnormal vascular responses, abnormal sweating responses, and a reduced threshold for itch. In addition, seven of 12 patients with pure atopic dermatitis with no respiratory disease have an abnormal methacholine inhalation test. There is an abnormal response of leukocyte cyclic AMP to a variety of adenylate cyclase stimulants. Characteristic histological findings are interepidermal edema, called spongiosis, which is consistent with a composite of late-phase and delayed hypersensitivity. The brittle stratum corneum can be treated with hydration, a commonly neglected aspect of management. An overlooked complication is herpes simplex infection of the eye. Overall management includes stress control, treating allergenic trigger factors, topical steroids, systemic antibiotics, antihistamines, ultraviolet light, and hospitalization in severe cases.