Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is an extremely common skin disease characterized by red patches, dry, scaling or crusting skin, and intense itch. It frequently develops in children during the first year of life and can become severe, with a consequently major impact on health-related quality of life. This text from international experts draws t

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.

Ideally every patient with eczema should be patch tested and the importance of this investigation is now universally accepted. The simplicity of the technique belies its many pitfalls, the greatest being to lack the knowledge required to select the correct allergens and to interpret the results. The introduction, nearly 20 years ago, of the journal Contact Dermatitis greatly stimulated the reporting of the clinical side of contact dermatitis but a vast amount of laboratory work has also been published in other journals on the mechanisms and theory of these reactions. The literature on the subject is now quite vast and a comprehensive book on the clinical and research aspects of contact dermatitis has been sorely needed. This textbook was carefully planned to gather together what is known of the subject into a cohesive whole and it has succeeded admirably. It consists of 22 chapters written by 41 contributors, each selected for their special study of particular subjects. Every feature of contact dermatitis has been covered, beginning with its history and even concluding with the names and addresses of those worldwide who have a specific interest in the subject. The text is illustrated and well laid out; it has been broken up into clearly demarcated sections making it easy to read and its information readily accessible. One's own writing concentrates the mind but editing the texts of authors from so many different countries was a task of considerable proportions.

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.

This book is a comprehensive, practical guide to the latest developments in the understanding and management of atopic dermatitis. Detailed information is provided on age-specific clinical symptoms, features, and diagnostic methods. Current theories on the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis are closely examined, with attention to the roles played by genetic, allergic, immunologic, and skin barrier dysfunctions. In the second half of the book, the scientific background to and the practical use of the full range of treatment methods are described, covering topical agents, systemic agents, phototherapy, allergen-specific immunotherapy, and the most recently developed biologics and small molecules. This textbook will be an excellent guide to diagnosis and treatment for not only dermatologists but also practitioners in allergy and general medicine, including pediatricians, allergists, and primary care physicians. In addition, it will be of value for all scientists interested in developing new drugs for atopic dermatitis.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over recent decades, both in terms of the number of sufferers and the number of allergies. This is a trend that has frequently been referred to as 'the epidemic of the 21st century'. As described in ancient texts, allergies have been known for over 2,000 years, but the term 'allergy' was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century when doctors began to understand their pathophysiological basis. This book presents a detailed and varied historical overview of the field of allergology. Beginning with insights on allergy from antiquity to the 20th century and the development of the associated terminology, it compiles historical reflections on the understanding of the most common allergic diseases. Important milestones in the discovery of mechanisms of allergy are described, followed by historical accounts of the detection of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, peanuts and latex, and of environmental influences such as pollution and the relationship between farmers and their environment. Several chapters illustrate the progress made in allergy management to date. Particular highlights of this book are the personal reflections of and interviews with a number of pioneers of allergy, including F. Austen, J. Bienenstock, K. Blaser, A. de Weck, A.W. Frankland, K. Ishizaka, and many more. Concluding with portrayals of allergy societies and collections, as well as being supplemented by two films, this book represents a veritable treasure trove of fascinating and richly illustrated information. Not only researchers, physicians and medical historians, but also students and even non-scientists will find History of Allergy a scientific adventure well worth reading.

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