This book presents the state of the art in research into atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, and provides numerous effective practical management recommendations that are grounded in the immense clinical experience of the author. A scientific evidence-based approach to the subject is adopted, progressing from clinical symptoms in different disease stages, molecular genetics, and pathophysiology through to treatment and prevention. All aspects of patient management are covered, including diagnostics, avoidance strategies, emollient therapy, and acute treatment of eczema and itch. Diverse special therapeutic approaches are discussed, ranging from glucocorticoids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and antimicrobial therapy through to UV therapy, allergen-specific immunotherapy, systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and emerging options. Environmental influences are considered, and there is a focus on the whole human being, with attention to psychosocial aspects of the disease and the benefit of educational programs such as “eczema schools”. Atopic Dermatitis will be invaluable for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians, and general practitioners and informative for other interested persons and sufferers.

State-of-the-art review on atopic eczema, one of the most common skin diseases today. This multi-authored handbook covers all aspects relevant for physicians from various disciplines.

"Le secret d'ennuyer est celui de tout dire. " Voltaire (Discours sur l'homme) Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently seen by dermatologists and pediatricians, by allergologists, and by many practitioners. The amount of data on AD is vast as it has been recognized for a very long time, has a worldwide distribution, and has a chapter or section devoted to it in every textbook or review of skin diseases. Difficulty arises in evaluating certain aspects of this complex disease, for many studies have been concerned with only some of its facets and with small numbers of patients. In addition a monograph on AD should also try to encompass the important theoretical aspects of this fascinating disease. There fore, the problem in presenting a monograph on AD lies more in the critical se lection than in the gathering of information, much of which is conflicting. This applies both to basic data and to details. Furthermore, the many divergent opinions in almost every field make it extremely difficult to draw unanimous conclusions. Consequently, the author has no option but to quote antagonistic views, try to make a compromise between these, and express his own opinion based on clinical experience and fundamental literary work.

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that has a critical impact on patient quality of life. Recently described pathophysiological aspects and new therapeutic approaches have benefitted greatly the management of patients with this condition. This book presents the most current physiopathogenic evidence in atopic dermatitis. It also examines the scientific rationale of currently available treatments as well as potential new options for managing severe forms of the disease. Written by experts in the field, chapters address some of the most important aspects of atopic dermatitis.

A wide-ranging account of the epidemiology of atopic eczema, its prevalence and possible causes.